SECOND REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 8

94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

3172L.01I

            Whereas, hydrocephalus is a serious neurological condition, characterized by the abnormal build up of cerebrospinal fluids in the ventricles of the brain; and

            Whereas, there is no known cure for hydrocephalus, which effects an estimated one million Americans; and

            Whereas, one or two in every one thousand babies are born with hydrocephalus; and

            Whereas, over 375,000 older Americans have hydrocephalus which often goes undetected or misdiagnosed as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease; and

            Whereas, with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, people with hydrcephalus are able to live full and productive lives; and

            Whereas, the standard treatment for hydrocephalus was developed in 1953 and carries multiple risks, including shunt failure, infection, and over drainage; and

            Whereas, there are fewer than ten centers in the United States specializing in the treatment of adults with normal pressure hydrocephalus; and

            Whereas, each year the people of the United States spend in excess of one million dollars to treat hydrocephalus; and

            Whereas, the Hydrocephalus Association is one of the nation's oldest and largest patient and research advocacy and support network for individuals suffering from hydrocephalus; and

            Whereas, further research into the epidemiology, pathology, disease burden, and improved treatment of hydrocephalus should be conducted and supported; and

            Whereas, public awareness and professional education regarding hydrocephalus should increase through partnership between the local, state, and federal governments and patient advocacy organizations, such as the Hydrocephalus Association:

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-fourth General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby recognize the month of March 2008 as "Hydrocephalus Awareness Month" in Missouri so that Missourians can become more familiar with hydrocephalus and the individuals dedicated to finding its cure; and

            Be it further resolved that the Missouri General Assembly urges the federal government to collect comprehensive statistics and data regarding the seriousness of hydrcephalus and its impact on American families.

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