Six-Year-Old Boy Overcomes Life-Threatening Stroke After Rare Medical Emergency

Christmas Eve typically represents a time for joy and celebration. However, for one family in Illinois in 2023, the holiday turned into a life-threatening medical crisis.

The Patton family had just gathered around the dinner table after enjoying their usual holiday traditions when their six-year-old son, Preston, inexplicably lost consciousness, slipping onto the floor.

“He just fell off the chair and was limp,” Shawn Patton, Preston’s father, recalled in a press release from OSF HealthCare. Though he feared something was wrong, he didn’t initially suspect a stroke.

Immediately, Patton dialed 911, and emergency responders swiftly transported his son to OSF HealthCare.

Upon arrival at the hospital, an immediate assessment by a team of pediatric and emergency doctors was underway. A brain scan soon revealed a chilling diagnosis: Preston had a blood clot in his brain, resulting in a heart function that had plummeted to just 10%.

Understanding Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in Young Patients

This condition, medically known as cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), is a rare occurrence in children, only affecting approximately one or two in every 100,000 youth, according to health statistics.

Dr. Sourabh Lahoti, a vascular and interventional neurologist affiliated with OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute, explained, “Preston experienced complete paralysis on the left side of his body.” His condition was severe.

“No movement was possible, and he lost vision in his left visual field,” Dr. Lahoti continued. “He could not move his eyes to the left, either.” The symptoms pointed to a stroke disrupting blood flow to the right side of Preston’s brain.

The Urgency for Intervention

Dr. Lahoti asserted, “We had to take that clot out. If we hadn’t, he faced the potential of a severe stroke.” This outcome could have resulted not only in lifelong paralysis but also posed life-threatening risks.

To address the emergency, doctors opted for a procedure known as thrombectomy. This minimally invasive method involves inserting a thin catheter into a blood vessel to extract the clot blocking the artery.

Remarkably, Preston is among the few pediatric patients globally to have undergone such a critical intervention.

As the procedure commenced, doctors noted the clot had migrated to a smaller blood vessel, complicating its removal. Dr. Lahoti stated, “The further out the clot is, the higher the risk involved. We chose to accept that risk to prevent permanent disability.”

Swift Recovery and Remarkable Resilience

Following the removal of the clot, immediate improvement was noticeable. Dr. Lahoti described the moment as “truly magical.” After regaining consciousness post-anesthesia, Preston demonstrated remarkable recovery, moving his left arm and leg again.

“Before thrombectomy therapy became available, patients with similar conditions faced profound challenges,” Dr. Lahoti noted. Previously, treatment options were limited, often leaving patients with significant disabilities.

Exploring the Cause Behind Preston’s Stroke

Medical professionals suspect that a recent flu infection triggered Preston’s stroke. Dr. Lahoti explained, “The flu led to a cross-reaction in his immune response.” Such an immune response resulted in the body attacking both the flu virus and, unfortunately, Preston’s heart and kidneys.

“His weakened heart function likely facilitated the formation of the dangerous clot, which subsequently traveled from his heart to his brain,” the doctor added.

This frightening situation was compounded by personal history. Shawn Patton shared that Preston’s mother had tragically passed away due to a pulmonary embolism, creating an emotionally challenging environment for the family.

Progress and Future Aspirations

After spending approximately two weeks in the hospital, Preston is recovering well and returning to normal activities. His father reported, “He goes to occupational therapy once a week and physical therapy once a month. He’s doing quite well.”

Preston himself remarked, “My leg is better,” to which his father responded positively about future improvements for his arm and hand as well.

Although Preston has yet to resume playing baseball, he has started riding his bike again, suggesting perseverance in his recovery journey.

Shawn pointed out the challenges, saying, “It’s hard for him to hold onto the handlebars, but we are committed to working hard.”

Inspired by his experiences, Preston has announced his aspiration to pursue a nursing career, motivated by the compassionate care he received during his recovery.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

The journey for the Patton family serves as a testament to resilience and the advances in modern medicine. As they move forward, Preston’s story not only highlights the critical nature of timely medical responses but also showcases a young boy’s strength in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.