Whereas hydrocephalus, an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, is a life-threatening condition that affects approximately 1,000,000 Americans of all ages; Whereas each year, one in 770 babies develops hydrocephalus; Whereas hospitalization charges for pediatric hydrocephalus cases alone cost the United States health care system $2,000,000,000 per year; Whereas adults living with hydrocephalus add exponentially to health care system costs, as well as costs related to reduced productivity in the workplace; Whereas the incidence of undiagnosed and untreated hydrocephalus in older Americans can result in unnecessary confinement to assisted living facilities and nursing homes; Whereas up to two-thirds (24,000 potential cases) of our current and former military service members suffering from moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries are at risk of developing hydrocephalus; Whereas there is no cure for this condition, and the only treatment is costly brain surgery which frequently must be repeated to replace the shunt, a medical device that is the most common treatment for the condition and has one of the highest failure rates of all medical devices; Whereas various research studies are being conducted in the United States in order to better understand, prevent, and treat hydrocephalus; Whereas organizations, such as the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation and the Hydrocephalus Association, serve as global leaders for hydrocephalus awareness, education, support, advocacy, and research funding; Whereas the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation established National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month in 2009; and Whereas the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation and the Hydrocephalus Association recognize September as National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month : Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month ; and (2) continues to support research to prevent, detect, and treat hydrocephalus.