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Teen Stroke Survivor's Urgent Warning: It Can Happen to Anyone
1 Jul
Summary
- A 15-year-old boy suffered a life-altering stroke, collapsing and unable to move or speak.
- He spent seven-and-a-half weeks in hospital and still lives with effects almost a year later.
- Emergency responders recognized stroke symptoms, leading to prompt clot-busting medication.
A mother is issuing a stark warning that strokes can affect anyone, following a life-altering event that struck her 15-year-old son, Finley. Last July, Finley collapsed behind his bedroom door, unable to move or speak, just as he was anticipating his first football match.
Finley spent seven-and-a-half weeks hospitalized. Although his family notes remarkable progress, he continues to live with the stroke's effects nearly a year later. South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) now stresses the importance of not ignoring stroke warning signs, as they can occur in individuals of any age.
Upon finding Finley, his mother Kelly immediately called 999. A volunteer responding via the GoodSAM app was the first on scene, quickly followed by ambulance crews. Recognizing potential stroke symptoms, the team rushed Finley to Queen Alexandra Hospital.
Consultation with specialists at University Hospital Southampton's stroke unit led to Finley receiving emergency thrombolysis, a clot-busting medication designed to restore blood flow to the brain. He was subsequently transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit in Southampton.
