AJR79: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-4522/1

MRK:skw

2021 - 2022 LEGISLATURE

2021 Assembly JOINT RESOLUTION 79

September 20, 2021 - Introduced by Representatives Dittrich, Steineke and Duchow, cosponsored by Senator Jagler. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AJR79,1,2 Relating to: proclaiming August 17, 2021, as Locked-in Syndrome Day in Wisconsin.

AJR79,1,5 Whereas, locked-in syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which cognitively intact individuals have complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles in the body, except for the muscles that control the eyes; and

AJR79,1,9 Whereas, locked-in syndrome is caused by damage to a portion of the brain stem known as the pons, which can be the result of stroke, diseases of the circulatory system, traumatic brain injury, medication overdose, or poisoning, among other things; and

AJR79,1,11 Whereas, an individual with locked-in syndrome is alert and aware of his or her environment and can fully comprehend others' speech; and

AJR79,1,13 Whereas, many of those with locked-in syndrome are able to communicate with others through eye movements or blinking; and

AJR79,2,3 Whereas, the development of new brain-computer interfaces, such as infrared eye movement sensors and computer voice prosthetics, are allowing patients to more easily communicate with others and even access the Internet; and

AJR79,2,6 Whereas, there is currently no specific treatment or cure for the disorder and it is extremely rare for any significant motor function to return for locked-in syndrome patients; and

AJR79,2,8 Whereas, many cases of locked-in syndrome may go unrecognized or misdiagnosed; now, therefore, be it

AJR79,2,11 Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the legislature hereby proclaims August 17, 2021, as Locked-in Syndrome Day in Wisconsin to bring awareness to this rare and devastating neurological disorder.

AJR79,2,12 (End)