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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, An estimated six million people in the United States |
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have an unruptured brain aneurysm, representing nearly one in 50 |
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Americans; and |
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WHEREAS, A brain aneurysm is a weak, bulging spot on the wall |
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of a brain artery, usually between an eighth of an inch to an inch in |
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size, that forms from continuous wear and tear on the arterial walls |
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over an extended period of time; though most aneurysms do not |
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rupture, a ruptured aneurysm is a very dangerous occurrence |
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associated with cerebral hemorrhage, high rates of mortality, and |
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disability; about 40 percent of ruptures are fatal, and of those who |
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survive, about two-thirds will suffer some permanent neurological |
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deficit; and |
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WHEREAS, Most prevalent in people ages 35 to 60, brain |
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aneurysms can also be found in children; each year, half a million |
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deaths worldwide can be attributed to brain aneurysms, and women |
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are somewhat more likely than men to be at risk; and |
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WHEREAS, Like heart attacks, brain aneurysm ruptures can |
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occur without warning; risk factors include smoking, hypertension, |
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drug use, traumatic head injuries, congenital abnormalities, and |
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family history; because of the severity of ruptures, accurate early |
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diagnosis is critical, and it can be performed through noninvasive |
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imaging and screening techniques; unfortunately, too many |
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aneurysms are ignored until it is too late, and misdiagnosis is |
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still all too common, but such organizations as The Brain Aneurysm |
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Foundation are doing commendable work to unite the medical |
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community, government, and the public in favor of conducting |
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crucial research minimizing the toll that brain aneurysms take on |
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our society; and |
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WHEREAS, Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month is an effort to call |
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attention to the devastating effects of brain aneurysms, to help |
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educate people about the importance of early detection, and to |
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provide support to those facing treatment and recovery; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize September 2011 as Brain Aneurysm |
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Awareness Month and encourage all Texans to learn more about this |
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serious health matter. |