We want take a moment in appreciation to highlight a story that most would not otherwise be aware of. This past Wednesday, March 14th, House Bill 668 was presented to the House of Delegates in the state of Maryland by a panel which included families, children and experts in the medical field, all in an effort to do more for increasing the awareness of pediatric stroke.
This proposed legislation is not only important, but groundbreaking for pediatric stroke. Going well beyond declaring May as Pediatric Stroke Awareness month, this proposal would require that the State Department of Education and Maryland Department of Health, provide awareness and training among directors of student services, school nurses and licensed childcare providers on the need for a prompt recognition of stroke in a child.
Awareness leads to a quicker response and lifesaving outcomes for children
The symptoms of stroke can sometimes be subtle or mimic other more common conditions such as heat stroke, migraines or viral illness. Emergency treatment is often delayed due to an initial misdiagnosis of stroke. This can lead to devastating consequences for a child. Because there are often long delays in diagnosing stroke in children, studies have often shown that the average time to diagnosis exceeds 24 hours. That’s too long.
This proposed legislation is not only important, but groundbreaking for pediatric stroke. Going well beyond declaring May as Pediatric Stroke Awareness month, this proposal would require that the State Department of Education and Maryland Department of Health, provide awareness and training among directors of student services, school nurses and licensed childcare providers on the need for a prompt recognition of stroke in a child.
Awareness leads to a quicker response and lifesaving outcomes for children
The symptoms of stroke can sometimes be subtle or mimic other more common conditions such as heat stroke, migraines or viral illness. Emergency treatment is often delayed due to an initial misdiagnosis of stroke. This can lead to devastating consequences for a child. Because there are often long delays in diagnosing stroke in children, studies have often shown that the average time to diagnosis exceeds 24 hours. That’s too long.
“You might be surprised to hear that children have stroke. Stroke in children is much more common than people think, about as common as brain tumors in children. Some studies reflect that the risk of stroke in children is up to 8 per 100,000 and in babies, 1 in 4000 live births. That’s a huge number of patients.”
The State of Maryland has one of 10 active pediatric stroke treatment centers in the country with John Hopkins. As part of the panel, Dr Lisa Sun, pediatric stroke neurologist with John Hopkins Hospital, started the conversation with a powerful testament in the need for this bill.
“You might be surprised to hear that children have stroke. Stroke in children is much more common then people think, about as common as brain tumors in children. Some studies reflect that the risk of stroke in children is up to 8 per 100,000 and in babies, 1 in 4000 live births. That’s a huge number of patients.”
“It’s not usually possible to predict when a stroke in a child will occur, nor is it necessarily easy to recognize. Some kids are at very high risk for stroke. But many pediatric strokes happen in perfectly healthy children. Strokes may look different in children then they do in adults. And for these reasons it is imperative that school nurses and childcare providers be aware of the fact that children have strokes and understand how to recognize the stroke and what to do if they notice signs.”
Champions for Children
While Pediatric Stroke Warriors, American Stroke Association and the International Alliance of Pediatric Stroke all provided a written statement in support of this bill- it truly is the voice of the children and their families that shared among this panel and have championed this step towards heightening awareness.
Each of us with PSW extend our thanks to Melissa Schober and Del. Mary Washington (D-43) for spearheading this bill. Heartfelt appreciation to Brian and Laura Fitzsimons with the Laney James Foundation for the important mission with the foundation and in sharing their powerful testimony in loving memory of their daughter Lelaina James. To each of the children that bravely shared their story of stroke in an effort to make a difference for all children, you are indeed mighty and we applaud your courage.
We encourage anyone to take the time and watch all three panels of this testimony beginning at the 27 minute mark, to fully understand the importance and impact the HB668 could have not only in the State of Maryland, but as a model for all states, all communities.
While Pediatric Stroke Warriors, American Stroke Association and the International Alliance of Pediatric Stroke all provided a written statement in support of this bill- it truly is the voice of the children and their families that shared among this panel and have championed this step towards heightening awareness.
Each of us with PSW extend our thanks to Melissa Schober and Del. Mary Washington (D-43) for spearheading this bill. Heartfelt appreciation to Brian and Laura Fitzsimons with the Laney James Foundation for the important mission with the foundation and in sharing their powerful testimony in loving memory of their daughter Lelaina James. To each of the children that bravely shared their story of stroke in an effort to make a difference for all children, you are indeed mighty and we applaud your courage.
We encourage anyone to take the time and watch all three panels of this testimony beginning at the 27 minute mark, to fully understand the importance and impact the HB668 could have not only in the State of Maryland, but as a model for all states, all communities.
A bill like HB668 would create a faster response to the recognition of the signs of stroke and could potentially save the lives of countless children. We stand by these efforts, and hope others share and speak of the importance of increased pediatric stroke awareness. We will be watching in hope to see if HB668 is passed.
If you live in the state of Maryland and would like to get involved, please consider reaching out to your delegates and senators to ask them to support this bill.
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