Hydrocephalus Awareness Month

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, Hydrocephalus, derived from the Greek words, “hydro” meaning water, and “cephalus” meaning head, is a condition that has no cure and in which the primary characteristic is excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain resulting in abnormal widening of spaces in the brain called ventricles, which creates harmful pressure on the tissues of the brain and can be fatal if untreated; and

WHEREAS, there are two primary types of hydrocephalus, including congenital hydrocephalus, which is present at birth and may be caused by either events or influences that occur during fetal development, or genetic abnormalities. Acquired hydrocephalus, which develops at the time of birth or at some point afterward and affects individuals of all ages, may be caused by injury or disease. Two other forms of hydrocephalus which primarily affect adults are: ex-vacuo, which occurs when stroke or traumatic injury cause damage to the brain, and normal pressure hydrocephalus, which can happen to people at any age, but it is most common among the elderly and often whose cause is unknown; and

WHEREAS, the number of people who develop hydrocephalus or who are currently living with it, is difficult to establish since there is no national registry of people with the condition; nevertheless, experts estimate that it affects over 1 million Americans and occurs in 1.5 of every 1000 live births and in an estimated 700,000 older Americans; and

WHEREAS, the only treatment for hydrocephalus is brain surgery; most often, hydrocephalus is treated by surgically inserting a shunt system which diverts the flow of cerebrospinal fluid to another area of the body where it can be absorbed as part of the normal circulatory process; and

WHEREAS, affected individuals and their families should be aware that hydrocephalus poses risks to both cognitive and physical development and often require repeated brain surgeries over a lifetime. However, children diagnosed with the disorder benefit from early intervention programs, rehabilitation therapies and educational interventions and many go on to lead lives with few limitations; and

WHEREAS, representatives from the national, state, and local levels, the Alabama community of the Hydrocephalus Association, and the national-level Hydrocephalus Association in conjunction with leaders from professional, community, and medical-based organizations and associations, are dedicated to increasing public awareness of hydrocephalus and the needs of families, resulting in better health for all individuals in the State of Alabama and throughout the nation:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim September 2016, as

Hydrocephalus Awareness Month

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 31st day of August 2016.

Robert Bentley

Governor