A mother from Londonderry has shared her astonishment after her newborn baby suffered a stroke, describing the experience as “overwhelming and frightening” for their family. Anna was born in June 2023 through an emergency Caesarean section and initially appeared to be healthy. However, after a few days, her mother, Lauren Duncan, noticed Anna exhibiting “strange repeated rhythmical movements.”

“Never in a million years did I think a baby could have a stroke," Lauren recalled during an interview. The situation became chaotic, leaving the family unsure of how to cope. Anna was moved to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for further evaluation. A week later, doctors performed an MRI scan on her brain, which revealed indications of a perinatal stroke—an incident that can occur either during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

Once the diagnosis was made, Lauren described how rapidly information flooded in. “We went from knowing nothing to knowing too much in just a few minutes,” she explained. The family was confronted with daunting possibilities regarding Anna’s future development, including concerns that she might never smile, talk, or walk. “As a parent, that was devastating; waiting for her first smile during those initial weeks was incredibly challenging,” she shared.

Fortunately, Anna eventually smiled, marking a pivotal moment for the family. Lauren emphasized the importance of early intervention in Anna’s development journey. Since she was around four weeks old, Anna has been receiving occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physiotherapy. “We celebrate every achievement; she is truly a miracle and brings immense joy to everyone around her,” Lauren expressed.

Lauren and Craig reached out to the Stroke Association’s Childhood Support Team and expressed their deep gratitude for the assistance they received. “The representative on the call listened patiently and offered our family invaluable support,” Lauren noted. They also found comfort through peer support from another mother facing similar challenges. “She gave us hope for a brighter future,” Lauren added.

Alasdair O’Hara from the Stroke Association commented on the significance of connecting with others affected by stroke. He highlighted that sharing experiences can aid understanding and coping strategies. In Northern Ireland alone, over 4,000 individuals confront the harsh realities of stroke each year. The charity provides essential support to survivors and their families as they navigate this intimidating journey.

Stroke occurs when blood supply to parts of the brain is interrupted, resulting in cell death. They can impact individuals of any age; however, quick treatment can significantly improve outcomes. The effects of a stroke vary widely based on which area of the brain is affected and can range from minor issues to severe long-term complications. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, it’s imperative to call emergency services immediately and seek medical assistance using the FAST acronym: Face drooping, Arms unable to lift or hold up, Speech difficulties, and Time to call for help without delay.