Press Release
Smith introduces resolution to recognize and establish “National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month” and “World Hydrocephalus Day”To raise national awareness and advocate for those struggling with Hydrocephalus, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a senior lawmaker and Co-Chair of the Congressional Pediatric and Adult Hydrocephalus Caucus, today introduced a bipartisan congressional resolution, co-sponsored by Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), to formally recognize and establish September 20th as “World Hydrocephalus Day” and the month of September as “National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month.” Hydrocephalus—colloquially referred to as “water on the brain”—is a life-threatening, chronic neurological condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid on the brain. Hydrocephalus can be brought on by genetic predispositions, traumatic brain injuries, infections, or the aging process. The condition, which currently does not have a known cure, impacts approximately 1,000,000 Americans, with a global incidence rate of 85 per 100,000 individuals. “Despite the fact that 1 in every 770 babies born will develop Hydrocephalus, the condition is often overlooked, with the majority of cases going undiagnosed and untreated,” said Smith, the author of numerous pieces of legislation that advocate for Hydrocephalus research and treatment. “The United States must continue to support research to prevent, detect, and treat Hydrocephalus—greatly improving patients’ quality of life and extending their life expectancies.” While Hydrocephalus does not discriminate—the condition can be developed by anyone of any age at any time—America’s servicemembers are at an especially heightened risk of acquiring Hydrocephalus, a common side effect of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). “Since 2000, more than 470,000 United States servicemembers have sustained traumatic brain injuries, one of the leading causes of Hydrocephalus,” said Smith. “An enhanced understanding of the condition, as well as its causes, will have significant impacts on both civilians and military personnel in the United States.” Currently, the only known treatment for Hydrocephalus is expensive brain surgery, which entails the implantation of a “shunt,” or a tube that enables fluid to move from one part of the body to another. Unfortunately, shunts have one of the highest failure rates of all medical devices and must be frequently replaced, often requiring numerous surgeries. “Those suffering from Hydrocephalus deserve better—better diagnoses, better answers, better treatments, and better prognoses,” stated Smith. “By officially recognizing ‘National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month’ and ‘World Hydrocephalus Day,’ the U.S. House of Representatives sends a strong message to Hydrocephalus patients: we will not give up on you, and we will continue to fight for a cure.” Within his resolution, Smith also thanked the Hydrocephalus Association, the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, and other organizations for serving as “global leaders for Hydrocephalus awareness, education, support, advocacy, and research funding.” ### Contact: |