A family from Londonderry has recounted their experience after their newborn baby suffered a stroke that left them in shock. Anna, the baby girl, was born in June 2023 and was initially deemed healthy. However, her mother, Lauren Duncan, noticed Anna making “strange repeated rhythmical movements” a few days after her birth. Anna was later diagnosed with a perinatal stroke, which is a stroke that occurs either in the womb or as a newborn.
Lauren expressed her disbelief that a baby could have a stroke and how it was a bewildering and daunting time for her and her family. After Anna was transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, doctors monitored her and carried out an MRI scan of her brain a week later, which revealed the stroke. The family was given an endless list of potential developmental issues for Anna, but Lauren credited early intervention with helping Anna’s development.
Lauren and Craig Duncan, Anna’s parents, recounted how they contacted the Stroke Association’s Childhood Support Team for help and were incredibly grateful for their support. The family also received peer support from another mom in a similar position to them, allowing them to pass on the advice they received to other parents and caregivers.
Alasdair O’Hara, the Northern Ireland Director of the Stroke Association, emphasized the essential role of connecting with others affected by stroke in recovering. He stressed that sharing experiences with others can help people understand stroke and discover new ways of coping. The Stroke Association supports stroke survivors and their families throughout their recovery and assists with connecting people.
Strokes are common and can affect people of all ages. They happen when blood supply to parts of the brain is cut off, killing some cells. The effects of strokes vary depending on the area of the brain damaged. Prompt treatment is crucial, and stroke patients can survive with timely medical attention. Signs of a stroke can be remembered with the acronym FAST: Face drooping, Arms unable to be lifted, Speech slurred and Time to call emergency services immediately
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