[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 143 (Sunday, October 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        DYSTONIA AWARENESS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 1998

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dystonia 
Awareness Week, October 11-18, 1998. This important occasion was 
brought to my attention by my constituent, Mr. Robert W. McCabe of 
Vista, California.
  Dystonia is the third most common movement disorders after 
Parkinson's Disease and Tremor, affecting over 300,000 people in North 
America alone. Dystonia is a neurological disorder causing involuntary 
spasms that are disabling and often extremely painful.
  The American public knows little about dystonia, and many people 
react to its physical manifestations by avoiding those who suffer from 
the disorder. Greater recognition and understanding of dystonia is 
much-needed in both the medical and lay communities. I urge all 
citizens to learn more about this disorder and to support those who are 
affected by it.
  There is no cure for dystonia at this time. In 1997, however, the 
gene for early-onset generalized dystonia was discovered, offering hope 
for future research and development of a possible cure. I would like to 
add my name to the list of supporters of dystonia research and 
encourage every Member of Congress to do the same.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing October 11-18, 1998 as Dystonia Awareness Week.




                          ____________________