SR1772 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1772 LRB099 21451 GRL 47558 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Stroke can occur before birth, in infants, children, and young adults; and

WHEREAS, The risk of pediatric stroke is highest in the first year of life and peaks during the perinatal period; and

WHEREAS, Stroke occurs in the United States at a rate of from 1 in 1,600 to 1 in 4,000 live births each year, and in 12 in 100,000 children each year; and

WHEREAS, Between 50% and 85% of infants and children who have pediatric stroke will have serious permanent neurological disabilities, including paralysis, seizures, speech and vision problems, and attention, learning, and behavioral difficulties, and may require ongoing physical therapy and surgeries; and

WHEREAS, The lifelong care and treatments resulting from pediatric stroke result in a significant financial and emotional toll on the child, family, and society at large; and

WHEREAS, Little is known about the cause, treatment, and prevention of pediatric stroke; risk factors, symptoms, prevention efforts, and treatments are often different for children than in adults; and

WHEREAS, Early diagnosis and commencement of treatment of pediatric stroke greatly improves the chances of recovery and prevention of recurrence; and

WHEREAS, Only through medical research can effective treatment and prevention strategies for pediatric stroke be identified and developed; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate May of 2016 as Pediatric Stroke Awareness Month in the State of Illinois and urge Illinois residents and public health officials to become more aware of the risk factors and symptoms of pediatric stroke; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the Director of the Department of Public Health and the Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association.