1,000 children and infants suffer a stroke each year. A figure largely underestimated by public opinion, which knows very little about the symptoms and does not have the right reflexes.
On the occasion of World Stroke Day, an Odoxa survey of the Stroke Research Foundation focused on young people. 1000 children and infants suffer a stroke each year.
A figure very largely underestimated by public opinion, since 78% of French people cite a lower number. Even individuals who have been themselves or a loved one victim (s) of a stroke are proportionally almost as numerous to underestimate the phenomenon in the youngest (73%).
Very bad reflexes
Only 13% of respondents find the right proportion, as many as those who say that stroke in children and infants “does not exist”. In fact, the relative majority of French people (41%) chooses 100, i.e. the smallest value proposed by the survey, which is therefore ten times lower than the reality.
But the most annoying thing is the lack of knowledge of the symptoms of stroke in children and infants, which leads to inappropriate reactions from those around them. 78% of French people admit that they would not recognize the symptoms of stroke in this population.
In the presence of these symptoms, less than half of respondents would go to pediatric emergencies or those closest to their homes. Between a quarter and a third of French people have other bad reflexes: calling the fire brigade, SOS doctor, appointment with the doctor or pediatrician, or even worse… waiting.
Dial 15
Only 26% would dial 15 in the event of convulsive disorders, 22% in the event of a sudden and very strong headache or weakness on one side of the body, and even fewer (20%) if the child began to have difficulty speaking or understanding.
“Call 15 in the presence of these very specific symptoms of stroke in children or infants represents a major challenge: this pathology is today the leading cause of acquired disability in children and one of the 10 main causes of infant mortality”, recalls Céline Bracq, Co-founder and CEO of Odoxa.
Two types of stroke
As the site points out child strokethere are two types of stroke: hemorrhagic stroke (rupture of blood vessels) or ischemic stroke (obstruction by a blood clot). 20% of them have a known cause: the main risk factors are mbirth defects, heart disease, cerebral vessel wall disease, infections, head trauma or dehydration.
“A stroke occurs when the normal flow of blood to the brain is interrupted, either by blockage or rupture of blood vessels. When part of the brain stops receiving its usual supply of blood carrying vital nutrients and oxygen, the brain cells die and cause a loss of brain function. 70% of children retain sequelae (motor, cognitive, etc.) after a stroke.
Illustration: screenshot of the avcenfant.fr website
Stroke in children or infants can occur prenatally, or in the womb, during the first 28 days of life, in newborns, or in childhood up to the age of 16. year.
Stroke symptoms in children and infants
Among the signs that can alert are speech disorders: if the child has difficulty expressing himself, makes rambling or inappropriate remarks or, can no longer express himself. Also be alert to vision problems, possible numbness, or even paralysis on one side of the face or body. As well as convulsions, vomiting, modification of cognitive abilities, loss of balance, loss of alertness and confusion can be warning signs.
Illustration: screenshot of the avcenfant.fr website
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