With a smile as wide as she is tall and only five years old, it is hard to believe Harmony Hoskin has suffered a stroke.
However, on 26 February the Moe girl’s world was turned upside down when she suffered a stroke during school assembly, paralysing the left side of her body.
Mum Shenay Hoskin said while there was a family history of stroke, it was never anyone young and there were no warning signs.
“I was more concerned about me as a mother having one,” Ms Hoskin said.
Six months on and improving every day, Harmony is back at school full-time and loving it.
“She loves being back at school and hates when I pull her out of it,” Ms Hoskin said.
“Considering the amount of school she has missed, she’s kept up and settled back into it really well.
“I’m actually quite surprised how quickly she got back into the swing of things.”
Harmony now attends rehab at her school, and still takes medication to thin her blood and manage the effects of the stroke.
“Her energy has improved a lot, but I notice (the stroke) most at night when she struggles to walk,” Ms Hoskin said.
“She gets a few grumpies and tears in the evening, but it’s to be expected.”
Harmony said she liked being back at school with her friends.
“I like playing in the playground,” she said.
This week marks National Stroke Week and Ms Hoskin said it was important everyone knew the signs of a stroke.
“Educate yourself, because you never know when it may happen. I wish I had done that,” Ms Hoskin.
Signs of a stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted. It is considered a medical emergency.
The National Stroke Foundation recommends the FAST technique for identifying the most common signs of a stroke.
Face: Check their face, has their mouth drooped?
Arms: Can they lift both arms?
Speech: Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time: Time is critical, if you see any of these signs phone 000 immediately.
For more information visit www.strokefoundation.com.au
