Tiana’s stroke recovery music to her parents’ ears

When 11-year-old stroke survivor Tiana Ekpanyaskun walked out of the Royal Children’s Hospital, she was greeted by a round of applause from the team that helped save her life.  

The Melbourne girl has had three strokes because of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The most recent and severe stroke struck while she was in hospital. Her dad Vincent said doctors noticed she was experiencing left-sided weakness after she woke up from an angiogram. 

“The first few days were horrible as we struggled to come to terms with what had happened. Tiana had lost all movement of her lefthand side and was initially unable to hold up her head, sit, drink or eat. She was completely dependent on us and the nurses to assist her with everything she did,” he said.  

“We knew we had to focus on her recovery and not grieve over what Tiana had lost, and it was exciting to see each time she achieved a small goal as she steadily progressed.” 

Vincent said it was one of his proudest moments watching Tiana walk out of the hospital two and a half months after she was admitted. 

“Now Tiana can do most activities by herself. She still has weakness in her left side, but she doesn’t let that stop her. She has taken up violin and piano again which are things she did pre-stroke. Listening to her play makes it hard to believe she had a stroke just over one year ago,” he said. 

“Even while in hospital we borrowed a keyboard from the music therapist, so she never stopped playing and even got to try out many other instruments in therapy. 

"Although Tiana may always face extra challenges, we know she'll be strong enough to overcome them all and we can't wait to see what the future holds in store for her." 

Approximately 600 Australian children have a stroke each year. To mark National Stroke Week (August 7-13), Stroke Foundation is encouraging the community to fight stroke together by bringing people together to share knowledge, support and resources to help prevent strokes from occurring and to aid in the recovery process for those who have experienced a stroke. 

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy said it’s a common misconception that stroke only happens to the elderly.  

“Stroke can happen to anyone, at any time. Even newborn babies have strokes. We’re so glad Tiana was able to receive the best possible care and was able to walk out of hospital,” Dr Murphy said.  

“We know the faster an adult or child with stroke gets to hospital and receives medical treatment, the better their chance of survival and a good recovery. It’s inspiring to hear that Tiana is learning new instruments and getting better every day.” 

Think F.A.S.T and ask these questions:    

Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?   

Arms – Can they lift both arms?   

Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?   

Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.

National Stroke Week is proudly supported by Major Sponsors: EMVision, AbbVie, and AstraZeneca, and Supporting Sponsors: Precision Group and Rossmax Australia.