Washington (February 11, 2014) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today introduced Senate Resolution 353 designating the month of September 2014 as “National Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month” in order to raise awareness about the danger of brain aneurysms, educate the public about prevention, and highlight the need for further research regarding this serious illness. Senator Markey is continuing his work on this issue with Massachusetts State Representative Paul J. Donato (D–Medford), who has led the charge on raising awareness of the dangers of brain aneurysms in the Massachusetts State Legislature and with his work with the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.  

“I thank Rep. Donato and applaud his leadership and effective advocacy for brain aneurysm awareness,” said Senator Markey. “We owe it to those impacted by this silent killer to ensure they do not feel alone in this fight to raise awareness. This resolution will help educate people about this health issue and support research for its prevention, detection and treatment.” 

“We can save lives by being proactive and making the public aware of the dangers of unruptured brain aneurysms,” said State Rep. Donato. 

Brain aneurysms can occur in anyone, at any age. An estimated six million people in the United States have an unruptured brain aneurysm. Each year, about 27,000 people in the U.S. will suffer from a ruptured brain aneurysm.  About 40 percent of those experiencing a ruptured brain aneurysm will die. If a brain aneurysm is diagnosed early with proper screening, it can be treated before it ruptures.  

Click HERE for a letter from American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons endorsing Senator Markey’s Brain Aneurysm Awareness Resolution.