SUBJECT: Neurosurgery Support for S. 864, Ellie’s Law
Dear Senator Blumenthal,
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and Congress of Neurological Surgeons
(CNS), we are pleased to offer our support of your legislation, S. 864, Ellie’s Law.
An estimated six million people in the United States, or one in 50 people, have an unruptured brain aneurysm. Each
year, an estimated 30,000 people in the U.S. suffer a brain aneurysm rupture, 40 percent of which are fatal. Of
those who survive, about 66 percent suffer some permanent neurological deficit. Additionally, the economic toll on
survivors and their caretakers is significant, with combined lost wages approximating $138 million per year. Despite
these startling statistics, the federal government spends only about $5 million per year on brain aneurysm research,
or 83 cents per American afflicted with the disease each year. Notwithstanding its widespread prevalence, the
federal funding for brain aneurysm research is almost non-existent.
Importantly, Ellie’s Law would authorize additional funding for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and
Stroke (NINDS) to specifically further our knowledge and understanding of brain aneurysms and how to effectively
manage and treat this condition.
Organized neurosurgery is very concerned about the current lack of federal funding devoted to brain aneurysm
research, specifically those projects focused on prevention, detection, treatment and rehabilitation. We look forward
to assisting n your efforts to pass this crucial legislation
Read full letter here
