Expressing support for the designation of September as “Dystonia Awareness Month” to promote public awareness and understanding of dystonia.

Expressing support for the designation of September as “Dystonia Awareness Month” to promote public awareness and understanding of dystonia.

Whereas dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes excessive, involuntary muscle contractions, resulting in abnormal muscle movements and body postures;

Whereas dystonia affects an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 individuals in the United States, though the true number may be higher due to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis;

Whereas dystonia can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and may appear as a standalone condition or as a symptom of other neurological disorders;

Whereas there are multiple forms of dystonia, including focal, segmental, and generalized dystonias, that may impact a person’s ability to walk, speak, see, or perform daily tasks;

Whereas dystonia can cause significant physical disability, social isolation, emotional distress, and financial hardship for individuals and families;

Whereas, although there is no cure for dystonia, treatments such as botulinum toxin injections, oral medications, deep brain stimulation, and supportive therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life;

Whereas greater awareness and understanding of dystonia will lead to earlier diagnosis, expanded research, improved treatments, and better support for individuals and families living with this condition;

Whereas medical researchers and clinicians are working diligently to increase awareness and advance knowledge of dystonia through outreach, education, and scientific study;

Whereas servicemembers and veterans may experience dystonia as a result of traumatic brain injury, exposure to certain medications, or other service-related conditions, underscoring the importance of research, treatment access, and care within the health systems of the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs; and

Whereas the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program of the Department of Defense has awarded competitive research grants supporting studies on dystonia, reflecting the recognition of its impact on the health of servicemembers, veterans, and the general population: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) expresses support for the designation of September as “Dystonia Awareness Month”;

(2) recognizes the need for further research to discover new treatments and a cure for dystonia;

(3) commends the efforts of medical professionals and researchers who work to improve the lives of individuals with dystonia; and

(4) encourages the people of the United States to observe Dystonia Awareness Month with appropriate programs and activities to raise public awareness and understanding of dystonia.