Childhood Stroke Awareness Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Childhood Strokes

Childhood Stroke Awareness Day, also known as Paediatric Stroke Awareness Day, is observed annually on the first Saturday of May, which falls on May 6 this year, to bring attention to the national crisis of paediatric strokes, an apparently uncommon yet crucial issue that often flies under the radar for millions of people. Since its inception in 2002, the day has cast light on paediatric strokes and heart attacks. Thousands of infants and toddlers are at risk for a stroke, but parents and carers are unprepared to handle its sudden occurrence. Through the observation, the public receives information regarding the timely detection of symptoms and emergent care instructions.

The background of Childhood Stroke Awareness Day

Did you know that strokes are among the top 10 causes of mortality among children in the United States? Stroke survivors frequently experience permanent neurological impairments, such as paralysis, vision and speech difficulties, and intermittent convulsions. Children are not thought to be susceptible to strokes or heart attacks. It has long been believed that only the elderly suffer from strokes. However, it can affect any age group, beginning in infancy. Each year, 26 out of every 100,000 infants and 6 out of every 100,000 newborns suffer a stroke, of which 12 percent are fatal. This statistic highlights the significance of dedicating one day to a cause. It is a medical emergency that can leave survivors with enduring injuries.

A stroke, a sudden neurologic injury, is caused by the interruption of blood flow to the brain as a result of clot formation or arterial rupture. Stroke patients may experience irreversible neurological damage, including impaired mobility, behavioural changes, academic performance impairments, and even mortality.

Childhood Stroke Awareness Day draws necessary attention to this issue. The holiday was created by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which in 2002 launched the first-ever programme for paediatric stroke patients. The hospital continues to educate the public about the preventative measures, symptoms, and prompt treatment of paediatric strokes. In 2007, the U.S. Senate unequivocally approved a resolution designating the first Saturday in May as National Childhood Stroke Awareness Day, following in the footsteps of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

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5 INCREDIBLE FACTS ABOUT CHILDHOOD STROKES YOU WON’T BELIEVE

After an initial stroke, the risk of subsequent strokes ranges between 15% and 18%.

The signs and symptoms of a stroke are frequently misdiagnosed as migraines or epilepsy.

One in 2,000 neonates less than one month old are at risk for perinatal stroke.

The incidence of paediatric strokes is comparable to that of paediatric brain tumours.

Approximately sixty percent of stroke survivors are left with persistent neurological deficits, such as cerebral palsy or partial paralysis.

CHILDHOOD STROKE AWARENESS DAY DATES