Boy suffers stroke at age 7, dad credited with recognizing warning signs
ABC7 Los Angeles • • health
Key Points:
- Seven-year-old Geno Mueller experienced a stroke last July while at a pool, showing symptoms such as staggering and facial drooping, which his father quickly recognized as signs of a stroke.
- Geno was flown to the Cleveland Clinic where emergency surgery was performed to remove a clot from his brain; he had a history of heart defects and surgeries, increasing his stroke risk.
- Pediatric strokes are rare but can occur, with symptoms often subtle and easily missed, leading to delayed diagnosis; awareness is crucial for timely intervention.
- The CDC recommends the "BE FAST" mnemonic to identify stroke symptoms, emphasizing the importance of calling 911 immediately if a stroke is suspected.
- Geno has since recovered fully with no developmental delays, and his family shares his story during Stroke Awareness Month to highlight that strokes can happen at any age.