A MUM is urging parents and young people to learn about the signs of childhood strokes after her daughter was left fighting for her life.

In 2012 Colne youngster Charlotte Neve, who was then seven years old, suffered a serve brain haemorrhage and stroke.

She was left in two comas and when she came round was in a ‘locked-in’ state, unable to speak, move or blink.

Doctors initially said her chances of recovery were bleak, but she has defied expectations regaining her movement and speech.

Her mum, Leila Neve, said: “So few people realise that children can have strokes, but it doesn’t only happen to old people, it can happen at any age even to babies.

“Everyone needs to be aware of the signs of stroke in children because the faster a stroke is treated the better the chance of making a good recovery.

“Since Charlotte’s strokes, we’ve also experienced a real lack of understanding about childhood strokes which has resulted in me home schooling Charlotte.”

She has spoken out after new guidance, produced by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and the Stroke Association, was released which covers diagnosis and rehabilitation and includes signs for spotting strokes in children.

It said most children experiencing a stroke will have symptoms recognised by the FAST test: Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to call 999.

It also states that some children and young people may complain of a headache and others may have seizures at the time of the stroke and new and sudden onset of vertigo, dizziness, neck pain or neck stiffness are also sometimes signs that a child or young person is having or has had a stroke.

Nausea or vomiting, fever or loss of consciousness can also be signs of a stroke in children, so do not discount these, the experts have said.

Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said: “Childhood stroke is often extremely frightening and stressful for children and their families.

"Far too few people realise that a child can have a stroke, which means diagnosis and treatment can take longer than for older patients.

“Whatever age you are, when stroke strikes, quick diagnosis is vital.”

To find out more and download the guidelines visit www.rcpch.ac.uk/stroke-guideline.