More awareness, fast response key to combatting stroke in children

Abstract: 41 (Room 28A-D)

2014-02-12

(Press-News.org) Parents and healthcare professionals must be aware that children can have strokes and be prepared to respond to symptoms, according to research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2014. As in adults, warning signs of stroke in children are: sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg; sudden difficulty in speaking; sudden problems in seeing; sudden difficulty walking; dizziness; or sudden onset of headache. Researchers interviewed 28 parents whose child had a stroke about factors that contributed to delayed arrival to the hospital. The children were infants to teens. Symptoms of stroke didn't vary by age, although seizures were more common in younger children and strokes mostly occurred at home and to a lesser extent at school. Though most of the parents thought the symptoms were serious, only about half called 9-1-1; 36 percent considered the possibility of stroke; and 21 percent had a "wait and see" attitude or called a relative before taking emergency action. "Think stroke, act fast, and call 9-1-1," said Mark MacKay, M.D., lead researcher and director of the Children's Stroke Program at the Royal Children's Hospital and Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia. "That message applies to adults and children." Median time from symptom onset to emergency room arrival was 1.8 hours, with some taking as long as 24 hours. In previous studies in the United States, Canada, England and Australia, the average time delay to diagnose stroke in children was more than 24 hours. "Getting to the hospital quickly is an essential first step to develop strategies to improve access to emergency treatment in children," MacKay said. Children won't receive the benefits of emergency clot-busting treatment unless "we develop strategies to improve the rapid recognition of childhood stroke," he said. Clot-busting treatment must be started within three to four and a half hours of symptom onset. Child neurologists should educate primary care physicians, pediatricians, heart specialists and emergency room physicians about stroke in children and parents of children with conditions associated with increased risk such as sickle cell disease or heart conditions urgently need to be aware, MacKay said. In the United States, 4.6 per 100,000 children (0 to 19 years) had a stroke in 1997-2003, according to the American Heart Association. Despite treatment, one of 10 children with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke will have a recurrence within five years. INFORMATION: Co-authors are: Belinda Stojanovski, R.N.; Geoffrey Donnan, M.D.; Leonid Churilov, Ph.D.; Ian Mosely, Ph.D.; Grant Hocking, paramedic; Paul Monagle, M.D. Author disclosures are on the abstract. The National Stroke Foundation and Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia funded the study. F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. When you can spot the signs, you'll know that you need to call 9-1-1 for help right away. F.A.S.T. is face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty and time to call 9-1-1. To find stroke certified hospitals, you can download the free "Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T." mobile app from the iTunes or Google Play stores. Downloadable video/audio interviews, B-roll, animation and images related to this news release are on the right column of the release link at http://newsroom.heart.org/news/more-awareness-fast-response-key-to-combatting-stroke-in-children?preview=01e36eb7d517281aac40ad5dffe813a4 Video clips with researchers/authors of the studies will be added to the release link after embargo.

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Statements and conclusions of study authors that are presented at American Stroke Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect association policy or position. The association makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at http://www.heart.org/corporatefunding.

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More awareness, fast response key to combatting stroke in children

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