National Childhood Stroke Awareness Day

NATIONAL CHILDHOOD STROKE AWARENESS DAY

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Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I rise today to raise awareness about childhood stroke. Very little is known about the cause, treatment, and prevention of childhood stroke. Only through medical research can effective treatment and prevention strategies for childhood stroke be identified and developed. The earlier that we are able to diagnose and begin treatment for victims of childhood stroke, the better the chances are for recovery and a reoccurrence is less likely to happen.

The need for awareness on this issue was brought to my attention by a young man from Norcross, GA, Alan Blinder. In January of 2006, Alan was having a normal day at school, as any sophomore in high school would. As he was sitting in his fourth period Algebra class, the entire left side of his body went numb and he was unable to speak. Alan was escorted to the school nurse and she sent him home. That evening Alan's mother explained her son's situation to a friend who suggested the incident could have been a pediatric stroke. After seeing a physician, Alan learned that he had suffered a transient ischemic attack, or a mini stroke. These attacks can be ominous warning signs for potential future strokes. While Alan was able to receive a diagnosis from a specialist, there are thousands of children, adolescents, and parents who do not know the signs of this life threatening episode that leaves many individuals impaired. Alan was very lucky and I am happy to report that he is doing well. Alan is a smart young man who has a very bright future ahead of him.

Each year a stroke occurs in 20 out of every 100,000 newborns. Almost 3 out of every 106,000 children experience a stroke before the day they are born. Of these children who experience a stroke, 12 percent will lose their lives as a result. Over half of the children who have a pediatric stroke will have serious, long-term neurological disabilities, including seizures, speech and vision problems, and learning disabilities. The result of a pediatric stroke may require ongoing physical therapy and surgeries for years and into their young adulthood. The permanent health concerns and treatments resulting from childhood stroke can result in a heavy financial and emotional burden on both the child and the family.

It is my hope that greater awareness of the symptoms of childhood stroke, I introduce legislation to designate May 6, 2006, as Childhood Stroke Awareness Day. I urge the people of the United States to support efforts, programs, services, and advocacy of the American Heart Association to enhance public awareness of childhood stroke.

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