IV 

116TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 557 

Expressing support for designation of September 2019, as ‘‘National Dystonia 

Awareness Month’’ and raising awareness and understanding of the disorder of dystonia. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 

Mr. LEVIN of Michigan (for himself, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, and Mr. FITZPATRICK) submitted the following resolution; 

which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce 

RESOLUTION 

Expressing support for designation of September 2019, as 

‘‘National Dystonia Awareness Month’’ and raising 

awareness and understanding of the disorder of dystonia. 

Whereas dystonia is the third most common movement disorder, affecting no fewer than 250,000 people in the 

United States and millions worldwide; 

Whereas dystonia is a neurological disorder presenting in various forms, characterized by involuntary muscle contractions causing abnormal, often repetitive movements and 

postures; 

Whereas symptoms of dystonia may impede the ability to— 

(1) walk (as in generalized dystonia or limb dystonia); 


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(2) control the posture of the head (as in cervical 

dystonia); 

(3) speak (as in spasmodic dysphonia or oromandibular dystonia); 

(4) see (as in blepharospasm); and 

(5) write (as in hand dystonia); 

Whereas there are limited treatments for dystonia, and there 

is currently no cure; 

Whereas dystonia is commonly misdiagnosed, delaying access 

to appropriate medical care for those affected; 

Whereas trauma like that experienced by military servicemembers can lead to the onset of dystonia; 

Whereas countless friends, loved ones, spouses, and caregivers must shoulder the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that dystonia causes; 

Whereas the severity of the symptoms of dystonia and the 

limited public awareness of the disease cause many patients to be isolated; 

Whereas National Dystonia Awareness Month will raise public awareness and understanding of the disorder of 

dystonia, a disorder affecting people of all ages, races, 

ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds; 

Whereas National Dystonia Awareness Month will also foster 

understanding of the impact the various forms of 

dystonia have on those affected and their families; 

Whereas the dystonia community is uniting to cooperate on 

awareness efforts throughout September; and 

Whereas the Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research 

Foundation, the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, 

the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association, and the 


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National Spasmodic Torticollis Association are dedicated 

to— 

(1) conducting research to find treatments and a 

cure for dystonia; 

(2) fostering public awareness and understanding of 

the disorder; 

(3) educating patients and their families about 

dystonia to improve their treatment and care; and 

(4) providing support and encouraging people to become advocates, including by sponsoring annual patient 

education conferences, school-based educational programs, and local events to raise funds for dystonia research, education, advocacy, and awareness: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) supports the designation of ‘‘National Dys3 tonia Awareness Month’’; 

4 (2) supports the goals and ideals of National 

5 Dystonia Awareness Month to raise public awareness 

6 and understanding of dystonia; 

7 (3) recognizes the need for additional research 

8 to find a cure for all forms of dystonia; and 

9 (4) encourages all people in the United States 

10 and interested groups to support National Dystonia 

11 Awareness Month through activities to promote pub12 lic awareness of dystonia and foster the underVerDate Sep 11 2014 21:16 Sep 13, 2019 Jkt 089200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\HR557.IH HR557

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1 standing of the impact of dystonia on patients and 

2 their families. 

Æ 


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