[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 158 (Thursday, September 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E996]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING HYDROCEPHALUS AWARENESS MONTH

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                           HON. LLOYD DOGGETT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 2022

  Mr. DOGGETT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hydrocephalus 
Awareness Month. Every September patients, caregivers, and their 
families come together throughout our Nation in support of the more 
than 1,000,000 people of all ages living with hydrocephalus in the 
United States.
  As co-chair of the Congressional Pediatric and Adult Hydrocephalus 
Caucus, I believe Congress has an important role to play in raising 
awareness of this condition and crafting policies that result in better 
treatments and potentially a cure. I urge my colleagues to join the 
caucus to learn more about this devastating condition. In addition, I 
urge you to join Representative Chris Smith and me in showing your 
support for this community by cosponsoring our resolution, H. Res. 20, 
which supports the goals and ideals of Hydrocephalus Awareness Month.
  Hydrocephalus is a complex, chronic neurological condition caused by 
an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. From 
newborns to seniors, anyone can develop hydrocephalus at any time.
  The breathtaking prevalence of this condition is reflected in my own 
district. I recently met a constituent in Austin who described the 
challenges she has faced due to the limited treatment options available 
for hydrocephalus.
  Hydrocephalus is the most common reason for brain surgery in young 
children. The physicians and staff at the Children's Hospital of San 
Antonio perform the brain surgeries necessary to treat many of the one 
in 770 babies across the country who develop hydrocephalus each year.
  Veterans and active military personnel, such as those stationed at 
Joint Base San Antonio, are disproportionally affected. Since 2000, 
more than 370,000 U.S. service members have sustained a traumatic brain 
injury, and it is estimated that 14 percent of those individuals with 
severe TBI--over 50,000 service members--could develop hydrocephalus as 
a result.
  Let's join together in recognizing Hydrocephalus Awareness Month. 
Congressman Smith and I welcome all colleagues to become members of the 
Congressional Pediatric and Hydrocephalus Caucus and cosponsoring H. 
Res. 20.

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