A resolution expressing support for the designation of September as "Dystonia Awareness Month" to promote public awareness and understanding of dystonia.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 397 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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119th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 397

   Expressing support for the designation of September as ``Dystonia 
  Awareness Month'' to promote public awareness and understanding of 
                               dystonia.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

           September 17 (legislative day, September 16), 2025

    Mr. Banks (for himself and Mr. Merkley) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, 
                          Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
   Expressing support for the designation of September as ``Dystonia 
  Awareness Month'' to promote public awareness and understanding of 
                               dystonia.

Whereas dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes excessive, 
        involuntary muscle contractions, resulting in abnormal muscle movements 
        and body postures;
Whereas dystonia affects an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 individuals in the 
        United States, though the true number may be higher due to 
        underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis;
Whereas dystonia can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and 
        may appear as a standalone condition or as a symptom of other 
        neurological disorders;
Whereas there are multiple forms of dystonia, including focal, segmental, and 
        generalized dystonias, that may impact a person's ability to walk, 
        speak, see, or perform daily tasks;
Whereas dystonia can cause significant physical disability, social isolation, 
        emotional distress, and financial hardship for individuals and families;
Whereas, although there is no cure for dystonia, treatments such as botulinum 
        toxin injections, oral medications, deep brain stimulation, and 
        supportive therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of 
        life;
Whereas greater awareness and understanding of dystonia will lead to earlier 
        diagnosis, expanded research, improved treatments, and better support 
        for individuals and families living with this condition;
Whereas medical researchers and clinicians are working diligently to increase 
        awareness and advance knowledge of dystonia through outreach, education, 
        and scientific study;
Whereas servicemembers and veterans may experience dystonia as a result of 
        traumatic brain injury, exposure to certain medications, or other 
        service-related conditions, underscoring the importance of research, 
        treatment access, and care within the health systems of the Department 
        of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs; and
Whereas the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program of the Department of Defense 
        has awarded competitive research grants supporting studies on dystonia, 
        reflecting the recognition of its impact on the health of 
        servicemembers, veterans, and the general population: Now, therefore, be 
        it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) expresses support for the designation of September as 
        ``Dystonia Awareness Month'';
            (2) recognizes the need for further research to discover 
        new treatments and a cure for dystonia;
            (3) commends the efforts of medical professionals and 
        researchers who work to improve the lives of individuals with 
        dystonia; and
            (4) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
        Dystonia Awareness Month with appropriate programs and 
        activities to raise public awareness and understanding of 
        dystonia.
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