What caused Louie Clark's childhood stroke?

Louie Clark suffered a childhood ischaemic stroke due to a dissection of the neck artery, which led to a blood clot blocking vessels in his brain.

How long was Louie in intensive care after his stroke?

Louie spent over 84 days in intensive care and on the children's neuro ward receiving constant treatment and therapy.

What are the ongoing challenges for Louie after his stroke?

Louie struggles with emotional control, impulsivity, fear, vision impairment in his eyes, and fatigue, though he remains determined to recover.

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Childhood Stroke Strikes Young Footballer

24 Jan

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Summary

A seven-year-old boy suffered a stroke after playing football.
Doctors initially suspected a blood infection before diagnosing stroke.
Louie spent 84 days in intensive care recovering from his stroke.

Childhood Stroke Strikes Young Footballer

Seven-year-old Louie Clark experienced a sudden and severe health crisis in February 2025 after a football match. Symptoms including dizziness and vomiting led his parents to rush him to the hospital, fearing a blood infection.

However, after several hours, doctors confirmed Louie had suffered a childhood ischaemic stroke, caused by a torn neck artery and a subsequent blood clot. This devastating diagnosis shocked his family.

Louie's condition worsened overnight, leading to an induced coma and transfer to Leeds General Infirmary for life-saving surgery to remove the clot. He subsequently spent 84 days in intensive care and on a neuro ward.