[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23844]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NEIL ABERCROMBIE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 2006

  Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize November's 
celebration of National Epilepsy Awareness Month.
  Almost 3 million Americans have epilepsy, a neurological condition 
that makes people susceptible to seizures. Ten percent of Americans 
will experience a seizure in their lifetime, and each year, more than 
181,000 develop seizures and epilepsy for the first time. Epilepsy 
affects people of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds. The 
condition can develop at any age, but epilepsy most often occurs in 
early childhood and old age.
  It is also important to note that ten percent of all injuries to U.S. 
soldiers in Iraq are head injuries. Severe head injuries like those 
incurred during battle and roadside bombings carry a high risk of 
seizures and epilepsy that, in many cases, can develop months after the 
initial trauma.
  Although advances in medical treatment have allowed some individuals 
with epilepsy to control their illness, more than 40 percent still have 
persistent seizures, despite all available treatments today. Epilepsy 
remains a formidable barrier to normal life, affecting educational 
opportunities, employment, and personal fulfillment.
  Furthermore, epilepsy continues to be poorly understood by many 
Americans. Individuals with epilepsy are often misdiagnosed, cannot 
access the specialists they need, or are the subject of discrimination 
and prejudice. This cannot continue.
  National Epilepsy Awareness Month aims to dispel common myths about 
individuals with epilepsy, increase public awareness and understanding 
about this serious condition, improve education to ensure faster 
diagnosis and treatment, and inform people about the services and 
informational resources available nationwide.
  Many years ago, my life was turned upside down. Something was wrong 
with me but my doctor could not identify the cause. Finally, I was 
diagnosed with epilepsy. This diagnosis brought many challenges, but in 
my current position as a legislator, it has also brought opportunity. I 
hope I can be of some influence in directing attention and research to 
a disorder that has been ignored and misunderstood for too long.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members of Congress to join all Americans 
with epilepsy, their families, friends, and supporters to do all we can 
to improve the lives of individuals with epilepsy.

                          ____________________