[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 172 (Thursday, November 19, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H13322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH

  (Mr. SKELTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, November is National Epilepsy Awareness 
Month, and I rise today to help bring awareness to the month and to 
this year's theme, which is ``Talk About It.'' Epilepsy is a 
neurological condition that affects more than 3 million Americans and 
more than 50 million people worldwide. It affects people of all ages, 
nations, and races. A burst of electrical energy in the brain can cause 
an individual with epilepsy to experience a seizure. Seizures can be 
mild, but sadly, in some cases, they are fatal.
  In 2008, Congress passed legislation to establish epilepsy centers of 
excellence within the Veterans Administration. A traumatic brain injury 
can put a servicemember at greater risk for developing epilepsy in 
later years. And these centers of excellence will help ensure our 
veterans receive top-of-the-line care.
  Fortunately, research into epilepsy has resulted in the development 
of medications and other treatments that have proven successful in 
controlling epileptic seizures. However, these treatments are not 
effective for everyone with epilepsy, which means more work remains.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing National 
Epilepsy Awareness Month and to pay tribute to all those working to 
promote a greater understanding.

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