Facts

1/4000 babies will suffer a stroke.

1/8300 children will have a stroke.

The results of a stroke in infants and children ranges; including weakness on affected side, paralysis, fine motor delays, gross motor delays, speech and language difficulties, emotional issues, sensory problems, swallowing difficulties, seizure disorders and balance difficulties.

Therapy is time consuming and on-going. Some therapies Averie is involved in, include Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy and MEDEK Physiotherapy. She currently uses two hand splints; the Benik and the McKie. Most children require a leg brace at some time, known commonly as an AFO.

Strokes are fatal in 20-40 percent of paediatric sufferers.

In 1/3 infants a cause is never found. In 1/10 children the cause is never found.

There is little research concerning paediatric stroke, it's causes, treatments and prevention. Currently the Hospital for Sick Children is leading efforts in Canada in these areas. There is a great need for awareness. I have heard too many times, "I did not know it was possible for an infant to have a stroke".

I am telling all of you who are reading this, that it IS possible. It DID happen to my daughter and I hope one day it may never happen to other children or could possibly be prevented.