Did you know that stroke can also happen to children?
Childhood stroke can affect children between the ages of 1 (month) to 18 (years). The risk factors for children differ from those of adults. Some of them are:
• Congenital heart disease
• Head injury
• Diseases that affect the brain arteries
• Infections that affect the brain or other organs
• Sickle cell disease
• Autoimmune diseases
Warning Signs & Symptoms:
Due to a general lack of awareness, symptoms usually go ignored. However look for these signs:
• Sudden severe headache along with vomiting and sleepiness
• Weakness or numbness concentrated on any one side of the body
• Difficulty in speaking or understanding others
• Loss of vision or double vision
• Loss of coordination
• Severe dizziness
• Seizures usually on any one side of the body
Treatment:
As in adults time plays a crucial role in treating a stroke. Remember the four letters- F.A.S.T
F- Face Drooping
A- Arm Weakness
S- Speech Difficulty
T- Time to Call the Doctor
Don't delay! Act fast as your child's future is in your hands.
