September 2024: Hydrocephalus Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Hydrocephalus, derived from the Greek words, “hydro” meaning water, and “cephalus” meaning head, is a condition that has no cure and in which there is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain 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 and may be caused by injury or disease; two other forms of hydrocephalus which primarily affect adults are: ex-vacuo, which occurs when a stroke, brain tumor or traumatic injury cause damage to the brain, and normal pressure hydrocephalus which is most common in the elderly, often has no known cause, and when untreated results in physical impairments and dementia-like symptoms; 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 federal registry of people with the condition; nevertheless, experts estimate that it affects well over 1 million Americans and occurs in 1 in every 770 infants and in an estimated 800,000 older Americans; and,

WHEREAS, the only treatment for hydrocephalus requires 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 requires 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, starting in 2009, the United States Congress annually has passed a Resolution designating the month of September as National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month; and,

WHEREAS, representatives from the State of Michigan Community Network of the Hydrocephalus Association, and the National Hydrocephalus Association, along with leaders from professional, community, and medical 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 Michigan and throughout the nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2024 as Hydrocephalus Awareness Month in Michigan.