DID you know children can have strokes?
This was the devastating news facing Kimberly O'Brien, 28, of Wilsden, after months of her son, Sebastian, five, suffering symptoms that initially went undiagnosed.
It turned out, in three separate episodes, the youngster had experienced several transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) – known as “mini-strokes”- as well as a major stroke (ischemic stroke).
Mrs O'Brien admits her son could have been killed, or permanently brain-damaged, and wants to raise awareness about strokes in young people.
She said: "It's scary but there's no information."
The "dark journey" began for the family - which includes step-dad, David O'Brien, 48, younger brother, Hunter, three, and their father, Thomas Metcalfe, 29 - back in October 2020.