Young people also affected by strokes
Published: Sunday, Oct 27th 2024, 11:20
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A stroke can also affect children and young people. However, parents and schools often know little about the warning signs, warns the Swiss Brain League. Many therefore often react too late, which can have fatal consequences.
Every year, four to ten out of every 100,000 children suffer a stroke, the organization wrote in a statement to mark Stroke Day next Tuesday. Around a tenth of those affected lose their lives.
In the event of blood clots in the brain or cerebral haemorrhages, it is important that those affected receive medical care quickly, the Brain League emphasized. Without oxygen, around 1.9 million nerve cells die every minute. Only in the first two hours after a stroke is there a chance of avoiding serious consequences.
According to the press release, the most common signs of a stroke in children include acute hemiplegia, epileptic seizures, sudden visual disturbances or difficulty speaking or moving. These symptoms are often accompanied by severe headaches, nausea and dizziness.
Even if the symptoms are only temporary, it could be a stroke, the organization emphasized. It advises people to consult a doctor immediately if they experience several accompanying symptoms in combination or together with a primary symptom.
According to data, only around one in three children make a full recovery after a stroke. This often results in permanent neurological impairments such as paralysis or epilepsy.
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