Posted: | May 2, 2016 10:14 AM |
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From: | Representative Florindo J. Fabrizio |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month |
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation recognizing the month of May, 2016 as “Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular disease, happens when blood flow to the brain stops, resulting in tissue injury and loss of brain function. Stroke is not restricted to adults. In fact, stroke can occur in children of any age. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke occurs in approximately 1 out of every 3,500 live births, and has an overall annual incidence of 4.6 per 100,000 children age 19 and under. Stroke can cause permanent damage, or even death, if not promptly diagnosed or treated. There are no approved therapies for the treatment of acute stroke in infants and children and not enough is known about the cause, treatment, and prevention of pediatric stroke. Medical research is the only means by which people can identify and develop effective treatment and prevention strategies for pediatric stroke. Early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric stroke greatly improves the chances that the affected child will recover and not experience a recurrence. Please join me by co-sponsoring this resolution as we continue to draw attention to the importance of pediatric stroke. There is a need for continued coordination and cooperation between researchers, families, and the public to improve treatments and prognoses for children who suffer strokes. |
Introduced as HR906