Strokes are a Health Problem for All Ages (Rep. John Boozman)

When we hear of a patient who suffered a stroke most of us think that patient must be elderly. The truth is it is a problem for all age groups and one that is oftentimes overlooked in children. Pediatric stroke affects 25 in 100,000 newborns and 12 in 100,000 children younger than 18 years of age. It is among the top 10 causes of death for children in the United State and the death rate for children who experience a stroke before the age of one year is the highest out of all age groups. If these statistics surprise you perhaps it’s because we haven’t been as aggressive in raising awareness as we should be.

That’s why I introduced a House Resolution that expresses support for a day to be recognized as “National Childhood Stroke Awareness Day.” We need work to raise awareness that a stroke isn’t something that happens to senior citizens. We can and need to take steps to research, treat and prevent childhood stroke.