Stroke Foundation is urging Australian parents and families to familiarise themselves with the signs of stroke in children, as part of a new awareness campaign.
Childhood Stroke Awareness Week, which starts March 3, aims to educate all Australians that stroke can strike at any age.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy said it’s important for families and health professionals to arm themselves with important information on how stroke impacts infants and children.
“Stroke doesn’t discriminate- it affects people of all ages, including the youngest and most vulnerable members of our community. The best thing parents can do is be aware and learn to recognise the symptoms and signs of stroke.”
Childhood stroke is among the top ten causes of death in children, and every year around 120 babies and 400 children will have a stroke.
“Stroke presents itself in many different ways in children, but symptoms can include seizures and extreme sleepiness in babies, and, in older children, weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, difficulty talking or swallowing, dizziness, and severe or unusual headaches,” Dr Murphy said.
Childhood Stroke Awareness Week also celebrates the achievements of the country’s littlest and bravest stroke survivors who have a had a stroke and gone on to reach developmental milestones and personal goals.
“Stroke in children is life-changing. Early recognition and action make all the difference in improving chances of recovery and reducing its impact. With the right care and support, children who had experienced a stroke can keep learning, growing and thriving. By coming together, we can improve recognition, treatment and support for children affected by stroke and their families.”
More information on Childhood Stroke Awareness Week can be found on strokefoundation.org.au/what-we-do/prevention-programs/childhood-stroke-awareness-week.
For more information, people can also call StrokeLine on 1800 787 653.
