[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 156 (Thursday, December 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL EPILEPSY MONTH

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                           HON. RUSS CARNAHAN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 2, 2010

  Mr. CARNAHAN. I rise today and join the Epilepsy Foundation in 
calling for Americans to Get Seizure Smart! Epilepsy awareness is 
critically important because Americans need a better understanding 
about the basics of the condition. For instance, people often 
characterize seizures as jerking and shaking uncontrollably. However, 
not all seizures cause convulsions. There are many different symptoms 
of seizures, which can include eye fluttering, staring and laughing. 
Recurring seizures can be a sign of epilepsy.
  Epilepsy awareness is critically important for public servants too. 
Because first responders are often called when someone is having a 
seizure, it's critical they have good information on which to act. And 
because epilepsy is common in children, educators, administrators and 
parents need to know how to respond in an emergency.
  For 40 years, the Epilepsy Foundation has been raising awareness and 
reducing the stigma associating with this condition. Specifically, I 
commend the Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri and Kansas in their efforts 
to ensure that people living with seizures are able to participate in 
all life experiences. They are working to prevent, control, and cure 
epilepsy through research, education, advocacy, and services.
  I urge my colleagues to Get Seizure Smart! to help dispel the myths 
associated with epilepsy and empower those millions of Americans 
affected by this condition. We must work together to learn more about 
epilepsy and connect with our local Epilepsy Foundation to raise 
awareness in our communities.

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