Stroke in children (meaning children ages 1 - 18 years of age) is extremely complicated.
The warning signs/symptoms are just not that clear cut, as they are in adults (Face Arm Speech Time or F.A.S.T. - which occurs in about 60% of pediatric stroke cases).
First, strokes in children are rare (in contrast to stroke in newborns - which is NOT uncommon).
With stroke being rare in this category of children (a very broad category) it is not commonly seen by emergency medical professionals.
Second, the signs/symptoms can mimic other ailments/diagnoses. With stroke being rare it is NOT the first m
edical condition to rule out - until there is protocol in place and totally awareness.
Third, there is a lot that MUST happen to get a child immediate attention for stroke:
* Awareness - by parents/caregivers, any person who works with children & medical professionals - knowing to take immediate action because TIME IS BRAIN!
* Education - for all first responders (this is something WPSA, in collaboration with other organizations is currently doing).
* Medical Facility - getting a child who is suffering a stroke to the appropriate medical facility which can accommodate the medical needs of a pediatric stroke patient.
* Established Protocols for Treating Pediatric Stroke Patients - these will vary depending on the age of the child.
* Funding - WE NEED MORE FUNDING TO GET THIS INFORMATION OUT. Donations to and grants for the World Pediatric Stroke Association will help this happen faster.
* Community - I personally know incredible and passionate physicians who are working as fast to get the above established; THEY NEED OUR SUPPORT TO DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION UNTIL IT IS STANDARD PROTOCOL!
The World Pediatric Stroke Association's #THINKSTROKE Campaign is a perfect way to accomplish the above. And, you CAN join our campaign!
There IS #hope!
My philosophy is: NO PEDIATRIC STROKE WILL BE IN VAIN;#TOGETHER we can save lives!
Refer to the #THINKSTROKE Fast Card for the signs/symptoms of strokes in children!
The is also accessible in Pdf format via:www.worldpediatricstrokeassociation.org
SHARING IS CARING!
