4. 90-second Statements

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:49 pm on 9 May 2018.

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Photo of Vikki Howells Vikki Howells Labour 3:49, 9 May 2018

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Saturday 5 May marked the start of the 2018 Dystonia Awareness Week. Dystonia affects all ages. It is a very painful, debilitating and disabling disorder. Faulty signals from the brain will cause muscles to spasm and pull on the body incorrectly. The body is forced into twisting, repetitive movements or abnormal postures. It may affect one part of the body or, indeed, multiple areas. In the overwhelming number of cases, there is no cure for dystonia—rather, it is a lifetime condition that must be managed. Dystonia is the third most common neurological condition in Wales. However, it still lacks awareness among the general public and even among some medical professionals. Dystonia Awareness Week aims to change this. The Dystonia Society have arranged for a number of events and activities around their theme, 'Go green and be seen'. The cross-party group on neurological conditions, chaired by Mark Isherwood, has played an excellent role in ensuring the voices of people affected by dystonia are heard here. I also want to thank the health Secretary, Vaughan Gething, for meeting with people with dystonia in my constituency office in Aberdare, and also for acting on a meeting held with the south Wales support group of the Dystonia Society. Since being elected, I have met many people who live with dystonia and still have incredibly full lives. I pay tribute to their courage and their fortitude.