When we think of strokes, we usually think of old people, but the sad reality is that they can strike children too.
What seemed like a normal morning for a family with a six-year-old turned critical in seconds after the child collapsed right after waking up. Before falling on the floor, his parents said he lost strength on one side of his body.
Luckily, he was taken to the hospital just in time to be provided with much-needed medical help.
This case shows that although it’s rather rare for children to suffer from stroke, it is not something unheard of. In fact, thousands of children across the globe experience strokes each year, but too often they go undetected because the symptoms don’t always match what people expect.
Sadly, many of those children are misdiagnosed or treated too late. Doctors now emphasize that knowing the warning signs can make the difference between life and death, outlining four key signs every parent should be aware of.
1. Sudden Weakness or Numbness on One Side
If a child suddenly loses strength or sensation in their arm, leg, or face, it could signal a stroke. Watch for difficulty moving a limb or an uneven smile. Even if it seems minor or like they slept awkwardly, treat it as an emergency and call for help immediately.
2. Difficulty Speaking or Understanding Speech
If your child suddenly slurs words, struggles to form sentences, or difficulties processing what you are saying to them, it may signal a stroke affecting the brain’s language centers. While speech changes can be easy to miss in young children whose language skills are still developing, any sudden difficulty communicating should be treated as serious.
3. Loss of Balance or Sudden Dizziness
Another indicator of stroke is when the child has trouble walking, moves unsteadily, or experiences sudden dizziness. So, if your child stumbles, can’t stand steadily, or complains that the room feels like it’s spinning, seek medical attention immediately.
Such symptoms often point to disruption in the brain regions responsible for movement and balance.
4. Seizures or Unusual Behavior
Seizures can sometimes be an early sign of stroke in children. If a child who has never had a seizure before suddenly experiences one, especially after waking, call a doctor.
Other signs may be abrupt behavioral changes such as confusion, extreme fatigue, or hallucinations.
As doctors try to raise awareness of the symptoms that may indicate your child is experiencing a stoke, they also remind you that seeking immediate medical help is crucial because in moments like that every second counts.
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