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 dis-
order of dystonia. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 
Mr. LEVIN of Michigan (for himself, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Ms. SCHA-
KOWSKY, 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 dis-
order, affecting no fewer than 250,000 people in the 
United States and millions worldwide; 
Whereas dystonia is a neurological disorder presenting in var-
ious forms, characterized by involuntary muscle contrac-
tions causing abnormal, often repetitive movements and 
postures; 
Whereas symptoms of dystonia may impede the ability to— 
(1) walk (as in generalized dystonia or limb dysto-
nia); 
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(2) control the posture of the head (as in cervical 
dystonia); 
(3) speak (as in spasmodic dysphonia or oromandib-
ular 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 service-
members can lead to the onset of dystonia; 
Whereas countless friends, loved ones, spouses, and care-
givers must shoulder the physical, emotional, and finan-
cial burdens that dystonia causes; 
Whereas the severity of the symptoms of dystonia and the 
limited public awareness of the disease cause many pa-
tients to be isolated; 
Whereas National Dystonia Awareness Month will raise pub-
lic 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 be-
come advocates, including by sponsoring annual patient 
education conferences, school-based educational pro-
grams, and local events to raise funds for dystonia re-
search, education, advocacy, and awareness: Now, there-
fore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) supports the designation of ‘‘National Dys-
tonia Awareness Month’’; 
(2) supports the goals and ideals of National 
Dystonia Awareness Month to raise public awareness 
and understanding of dystonia; 
(3) recognizes the need for additional research 
to find a cure for all forms of dystonia; and 
(4) encourages all people in the United States 
and interested groups to support National Dystonia 
Awareness Month through activities to promote pub-
lic awareness of dystonia and foster the under-
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standing of the impact of dystonia on patients and 
their families. 
Æ 
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