[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 4, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 4, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        DYSTONIA AWARENESS WEEK

                                 ______


                       HON. ROBERT G. TORRICELLI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 4, 1994

  Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. Speaker, recently former New Jersey Governor Jim 
Florio declared Dystonia Awareness Week in New Jersey. I would like to 
call your attention to the plight of dystonia sufferers and ask my 
colleagues to recognize this week as Dystonia Awareness Week for the 
entire nation.
  Dystonia is a neurological disease characterized by severe 
involuntary muscle contractions, which frequently causes sustained 
abnormal posture. There is no definitive test for dystonia, and most 
doctors have very little knowledge of the disorder.
  One third of the estimated 250,000 dystonia sufferers in the United 
States are children. Treatments include drug therapy, injections, and 
surgery, but there is no cure.
  Mr. Speaker, too often we take our health for granted. During this 
time of lost health care reform, we need to acknowledge how many sick 
Americans out there need our help and our attention. It is imperative 
that we never loose sight of individuals in need.
  A medical condition such as dystonia keeps this in perspective. So 
many children and adults are affected in the United States each year, 
that we can no longer turn our backs on the pain that these victims 
endure.

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