[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 177 (Wednesday, December 2, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H13391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NATIONAL EPILEPSY AWARENESS

  (Mr. CARNAHAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, there is a condition in this country 
that affects more than 3 million people and sees 200,000 new cases 
every year; 25 percent are children. It's epilepsy. It's the third most 
common neurological disorder after Alzheimer's and stroke. The cause is 
unknown in two-thirds of epilepsy cases. It can develop at any age. It 
can be a result of genetics, stroke, head injury, and other factors.
  Earlier this year, I met a spirited 9-year-old from my district. 
Since the age of 7, Chad has been living with epilepsy and faces 
daunting challenges in school because of various misconceptions. 
Despite major progress in diagnosis and treatment, epilepsy is often 
misunderstood and overlooked. Contrary to belief, it is not contagious. 
Some believe epilepsy is curable with medication or treatment when, in 
fact, over 30 percent of patients suffer uncontrollable seizures 
despite treatment.
  This is why raising awareness is so important. It will dispel myths 
and empower millions affected by this condition. I urge my colleagues 
to support further research, awareness, and education as we work 
together to find a cure for epilepsy.

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