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PRINTER'S NO. 3362
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 518
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY DIAMOND, HOGAN, HARKINS, STAATS, PICKETT, McNEILL,
JAMES, VENKAT, ROWE, HANBIDGE, WALLEN, RIVERA, NEILSON,
OLSOMMER, BENNINGHOFF, MERSKI, BOROWSKI AND ANDERSON,
MAY 5, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MAY 6, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of November 2026 as "National Epilepsy
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Epilepsy is a neurological condition sometimes
referred to as a seizure disorder and is characterized by
recurring seizures; and
WHEREAS, A seizure is usually defined as a sudden alteration
of behavior due to a temporary change in electrical functioning
of the brain; and
WHEREAS, Normally, the brain continuously generates tiny
electrical impulses in an orderly pattern and these impulses
travel along neurons and throughout the whole body via chemical
messengers called neurotransmitters; and
WHEREAS, In epilepsy, the brain's electrical rhythms have a
tendency to become imbalanced, resulting in recurrent seizures;
and
WHEREAS, In patients with seizures, the normal electrical
pattern is disrupted by sudden and synchronized bursts of
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electrical energy that may briefly affect their consciousness,
movements or sensations; and
WHEREAS, As the fourth most common neurological disorder in
the United States, following migraine, stroke and Alzheimer's
disease, epilepsy affects 3.4 million Americans of all ages; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 150,000 new cases of epilepsy are
diagnosed each year, most often in young children and senior
citizens; and
WHEREAS, One in 26 people will develop epilepsy in his or her
lifetime; and
WHEREAS, Up to 50,000 Americans die each year from seizures
and related causes, including sudden unexplained death in
epilepsy; and
WHEREAS, The Epilepsy Association of Western and Central
Pennsylvania and the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania
lead the fight to stop seizures, find a cure and overcome the
challenges created by epilepsy; and
WHEREAS, The Epilepsy Association of Western and Central
Pennsylvania and the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania
are dedicated to ensuring that all people with seizures and
epilepsy are able to participate in all of life's experiences;
and
WHEREAS, The Epilepsy Association of Western and Central
Pennsylvania and the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania
have been serving the needs of Pennsylvanians who live with
seizures since 1972; and
WHEREAS, Misinformation and misperceptions regarding epilepsy
have a long history and are still prevalent throughout society
today; and
WHEREAS, Epilepsy education and awareness programs seek to
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combat stigma in the hope of improving the quality of life for
people with epilepsy; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of November 2026 as "National Epilepsy Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania.
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