Hydrocephalus Awareness Month
By the Governor of the State of Alabama
A Proclamation
October 01, 2009

WHEREAS, Hydrocephalus is a serious neurological condition, characterized by the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluids in the ventricles of the brain; and

WHEREAS, There is no known cure for hydrocephalus, which affects an estimated one million Americans; and

WHEREAS, One or two in every 1,000 babies are born with hydrocephalus; and

WHEREAS, Over 375,000 older Americans have hydrocephalus, which often goes undetected or is misdiagnosed as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or Parkinson’s disease; and

WHEREAS, With appropriate diagnosis and treatment people with hydrocephalus are able to live full and productive lives; and

WHEREAS, The standard treatment for hydrocephalus was developed in 1952, and carries multiple risks including shunt failure, infection, and over drainage; and

WHEREAS, Each year the people of the United States spend in excess of one billion dollars to treat hydrocephalus:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Riley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim November 2009, 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 1st day of October 2009.

Governor Bob Riley