Matilda marks major milestones after stroke

Within 24 hours of birthing her first baby, new mother Melanie knew something wasn’t right.  
 
Newborn, Matilda, was making jerking movements, similar to hiccups, and they continued for two days.   
 
After being told it was normal newborn behaviour, Melanie’s motherly instincts kicked in; she recorded the motions and showed a senior nurse. 
 
“I had no idea what it was. Once I realised it wasn’t hiccups, I knew there was something wrong, but I could not have imagined what the doctors were about to tell me.”  
 
Matilda was rushed in a neonatal ambulance to Perth Children’s Hospital. Brain scans revealed she had experienced a stroke. 
 
“ I felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. I had never heard of any young person having a stroke, let alone a baby.”  
 
The Conlan family was told baby Matilda might not walk or be able to participate in school sports. But, nine years later, Matilda is kicking goals. She runs and swims in school carnivals, making her parents proud every day. 
 
Matilda is sharing her story as part of Childhood Stroke Awareness Week (March 3-9), to shine a light on stroke in children and babies. 
 
Every year in Australia, around 120 babies and 400 children will have a stroke and, importantly, childhood stroke is among the top ten causes of death in children. 
    
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, says it’s important for families and health professionals to be aware that stroke can strike at any age.  
 
“Stroke doesn’t discriminate affecting people of all ages, including the youngest and most vulnerable members of our community. The best thing parents can do is be aware and learn to recognise the symptoms and signs of stroke.”  
 
“Stroke presents itself in many different ways in children, but symptoms can include seizures and extreme sleepiness (in babies), and, in older children, weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, difficulty talking or swallowing, dizziness, and severe or unusual headache.” 
 
In its inaugural year, Childhood Stroke Awareness Week also celebrates the achievements of Australia’s youngest and toughest little survivors.  

"Stroke in children is life-changing, but recovery is possible. Early recognition and action make all the difference in improving chance of recovery and reducing its impact. With the right care and support, children who experience a stroke can keep learning, growing and thriving,” Dr Murphy said.  
 

By coming together, we can improve recognition, treatment, and support for children affected by stroke and their families.