Supporting vital research into paediatric stroke

In an Australian first, children affected by stroke are set to benefit from better long-term health care plans and a reduced need for future treatments thanks to research taking place at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.

The Children’s Hospital Foundation is proud to fund the high density (HD) electroencephalography (EEG) machine that is central to a new research study which is monitoring brain waves in children affected by stroke to help determine the best rehabilitation and management strategies for their long-term recovery.  The HD EEG machine provides researchers with detailed information about the progress of individual patient’s recovery following stroke that will allow clinicians at the Queensland Children’s Hospital to develop personalised rehabilitation plans that aim to minimise the life-long impairments associated with stroke and prevent the recurrence of future strokes.

Queensland Children’s Hospital senior medical officer and researcher Dr Michaela Waak said up to three children are diagnosed with stroke every month in Queensland.  “We hope this research will help us to better understand how a child’s brain is responding after stroke, this information will allow us to tailor rehabilitation strategies, medicines and other interventions to suit each individual child’s needs to better assist their recovery,” Dr Waak said.  “The causes and outcomes of childhood stroke are poorly understood, and there is little evidence published to support the best management for the condition meaning that this research will play a huge role in helping children affected by stroke improve their physical function, perform better at school, and lead more independent lives as they move into adulthood.”

Children’s Hospital Foundation Chief Executive Officer Rosie Simpson said the Foundation was committed to helping child health researchers discover new and improved ways to help sick and injured kids get better.
“Thanks to the generous support of Queenslanders, we can invest in vital research and equipment such as the HD EEG machine to ensure Queensland kids can access the very best care and latest pioneering treatments that have the potential to change lives.”