Lying in the Intensive Care Unit, my newborn son was surrounded by a maze of tubes and monitors, each beep of the machinery sending jolts of anxiety through my body. With every frantic nurse rushing to check his vitals, I felt my heart sink further, fearing that I might lose him at any moment.
He was grappling with apnea, unable to breathe on his own due to his underdeveloped brain. The innocent lip-smacking and blinking I noticed were not harmless; they were subtle seizures—terrifying manifestations of his condition. These cruel movements served as constant reminders of how fragile and unpredictable life can be.
Doctors informed me that he would never regain full use of the right side of his body and would likely struggle with language. His brain would need to rewire itself, requiring extensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy just to manage daily tasks like getting dressed or using the bathroom. All of this assuming he survived, of course.
At just 24 hours old, my baby had suffered a stroke that had devastated nearly the entire left hemisphere of his brain. I was in disbelief; strokes were something that happened to older individuals, not to newborns or even to babies still inside the womb. But the reality was undeniable—my son had experienced a stroke during the final days of my pregnancy, possibly even during his complicated delivery.
What I Learned About Pediatric Strokes
As the months passed and my son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and hemiparesis, I learned several crucial facts about pediatric strokes:
- The incidence of strokes is highest in infants under one month old, with approximately 1 in 4,000 live births affected.
- For children aged 1 to 18, strokes occur in about 11 out of every 100,000 kids.
- Pediatric stroke is among the leading causes of death in children.
- Stroke survivors in utero and infancy are 10 percent more likely to experience another stroke before turning five.
- Stroke can lead to varying degrees of cerebral palsy, from minor mobility issues to the need for a wheelchair.
- The financial burden of medical care for pediatric stroke survivors can be overwhelming for families.
- Survivors face a range of challenges, including physical limitations, cognitive difficulties, behavioral issues, and social stigma due to reliance on assistive devices.
This information was devastating for me as a parent. I spent my son’s first year enveloped in anxiety and depression, constantly monitoring him for signs of distress, convinced that a cold hand or foot was a precursor to another stroke.
However, with support from the Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association and connecting with other parents of stroke survivors, I eventually found clarity. My son, now four years old, continually defies expectations and teaches me daily about courage and gratitude.
Raising Awareness
May is Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month, and despite my efforts to raise awareness over the past four years, many are still shocked to learn that strokes can happen to infants and children—even some medical professionals. I am here to stress that pediatric strokes are very real and there is hope.
If you suspect that your child or someone you know may be experiencing a stroke, look for these early warning signs and consult a responsive doctor immediately. Early intervention is key to recovery.
- In infants, symptoms may include seizures, limited use of one side of the body, apnea, difficulty feeding, or an early preference for one hand.
- In young children, look for delays in gross motor skills, tightness or limited movement in limbs, or language delays.
- In older children, symptoms may manifest as seizures or sudden paralysis on one side of the body.
Pediatric stroke is a serious and significant condition that affects many children. Fortunately, there are dedicated medical professionals and specialists ready to help children lead fulfilling lives after their strokes. For additional insights and to connect with others facing similar challenges, check out the Children’s Hemiplegia and Stroke Association. Together, we can spread awareness about the reality of pediatric strokes, providing hope for families in need.
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Summary
Pediatric strokes can occur even in newborns, and awareness is crucial for early intervention and recovery. Signs to look for include seizures, limited use of limbs, and developmental delays. With appropriate support and intervention, children can lead fulfilling lives post-stroke.