Hydrocephalus Awareness Month.
SCR163 does not amend existing laws but serves to promote understanding and awareness regarding hydrocephalus. The bill outlines critical statistics, including that one to two of every 1,000 babies are born with the condition, signifying it as common as Down syndrome. It further notes that a significant portion of military service members returning from combat may also experience hydrocephalus due to traumatic brain injuries, underlining the need for public awareness and better funding towards research and treatment.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 163 (SCR163), introduced by Senator Portantino, aims to designate September 2018 as Hydrocephalus Awareness Month in California. The resolution highlights the significant health issue of hydrocephalus, which is the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain cavities. It emphasizes that hydrocephalus affects individuals across all age groups, from infants to the elderly, and is recognized as a leading reason for brain surgeries in children. The resolution seeks to raise public awareness about the condition and its prevalent impacts on society.
The sentiment surrounding SCR163 is largely supportive, with the understanding that increased awareness could lead to better health outcomes for those affected by hydrocephalus. Legislators expressed agreement on the importance of recognizing such a health issue and encouraging research efforts. However, there are underlying concerns mentioned regarding the lack of funding and advancements in treatment for hydrocephalus compared to its prevalence and impact on public health.
The notable points of contention in the discussions around SCR163 center on the urgent need for funding and improvements in treatment for hydrocephalus. Currently, the National Institutes of Health invests less than $1 million annually in hydrocephalus treatment, despite the condition leading to substantial healthcare costs exceeding $1 billion per year. Advocates argue for an increase in research funding to improve treatment methods, as the existing shunt procedures carry a high failure rate, affecting patient outcomes significantly.