Washington (April 25, 2016) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) applauded passage of their bipartisan resolution that designates September as National Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month. The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).
 
“Brain aneurysms are a silent killer, but for another year, my colleagues and I are standing up and saying that we will not be silent about this deadly condition,” said Senator Markey. “We can prevent the catastrophic human and financial toll that brain aneurysms take by spreading the word that early detection is critical and effective. I thank Senator Ayotte for her partnership and my Senate colleagues for their support passing this resolution to highlight this issue and bring this important message to the American people.”
 
“Too many families in my state of New Hampshire have suffered the loss of a friend or loved one from a brain aneurysm. We must work to help prevent, detect, and treat brain aneurysms – and our resolution will encourage us to take those steps,” said Senator Ayotte. “I’m grateful to Senator Markey for his work on this resolution and am glad it passed the Senate so that we can bring greater awareness to this issue.”
 
A copy of the Senate resolution can be found HERE.
 
It is estimated that one out of every 50 individuals in the United States has an abnormal bulging of an artery in the brain known more commonly as a brain aneurysm.  When this abnormality in the artery wall ruptures, it can lead to brain damage, stroke or death. Each year, more than 30,000 people in the United States suffer from ruptured brain aneurysms, and up to 50 percent of these patients die as a result. If diagnosed early, these patients can receive potentially life-saving treatment before the aneurysms rupture. Even in cases when the artery does not rupture, individuals can suffer from impaired cognitive function like double vision, loss of sensation and speech problems.
 
According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, awareness of the disease and early diagnosis is critical. Despite the availability of imaging technology, misdiagnoses or delays occur in up to one-quarter of patients with a brain aneurysm who seek medical treatment.
 
“The BAF is very appreciative of Senator Markey's continued support of brain aneurysm awareness initiatives,” said Christine Buckley, Executive Director of The Brain Aneurysm Foundation. “His support energizes survivors and those that have lost someone to rally together to make a difference particularly in September. Also, the community is thrilled with Senator Ayotte’s leading role this year and knows that the bipartisan support helped push this across the finish line. We are fortunate to have them both as champions in Washington, DC.”
 
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