Six-Year-Old Boy Survives Life-Threatening Stroke Causing Paralysis in Rare Medical Case

Christmas Eve in 2023 turned from a night of celebration to one of crisis for the Patton family of Illinois, when six-year-old Preston Patton experienced a sudden life-threatening medical emergency. After an evening spent enjoying cherished holiday traditions, the family had just gathered at the dinner table when Preston unexpectedly slid off his chair and became limp. His father, Shawn Patton, immediately sensed something was gravely wrong and called 911.

First responders acted swiftly, rushing Preston to the hospital where a team of emergency and pediatric doctors sprang into action. A brain scan revealed a rare and critical diagnosis: Preston had suffered a cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), a type of blood clot in the brain that led to his heart function plummeting to a perilous 10%. This condition is especially uncommon in children, affecting only one or two out of every 100,000 kids and teens. Dr. Sourabh Lahoti, a vascular and interventional neurologist, described Preston’s symptoms as classic signs of a stroke—paralysis of the left side of his body and loss of vision and movement in his left visual field.

The scan showed the clot was obstructing blood flow to the right side of Preston’s brain, creating a dangerous situation that, if not addressed immediately, could have resulted in permanent paralysis or even death. The doctors performed a delicate thrombectomy, threading a thin catheter through Preston's blood vessels to manually remove the clot. According to hospital representatives, Preston is among the few children worldwide to have received this life-saving procedure.

The intervention was especially challenging as, by the time surgery began, the clot had migrated to a smaller vessel, increasing the risks involved. Despite the complexity, the procedure was a success. "After the anesthesia was taken off, he woke up and was able to move his left arm and leg again," Dr. Lahoti said. The reversal of Preston's symptoms was immediate and dramatic, a result that his care team described as nothing short of "magical."

Previously, children in Preston’s situation often faced lifelong paralysis due to the lack of effective treatments. Thanks to advancements such as thrombectomy therapy, the outlook for young stroke patients has significantly improved. Doctors now suspect that Preston’s stroke was set off by a rare complication from a recent flu infection, which triggered an immune response so severe it weakened his heart and kidneys, eventually causing a clot to form in his heart and travel to his brain.

The ordeal was made even more emotional for the Patton family given their history; Preston’s mother died of a pulmonary embolism several years ago, adding another layer of fear and uncertainty to the difficult experience. Despite these challenges, Preston’s recovery has been remarkable. After spending a few weeks in the hospital, he has now returned home, attending occupational and physical therapy regularly. His father reports that Preston is "getting along pretty good," and the young boy has even resumed riding his bike, although he is still working on regaining full control of his hand and leg.

Inspired by the nurses who cared for him during his recovery, Preston has expressed an interest in becoming a nurse himself someday. His story stands as a testament to the importance of quick action, advanced medical interventions, and the resilience of both patients and their families when faced with unexpected crisis. As the Pattons continue to focus on Preston’s ongoing rehabilitation, they are filled with gratitude for having witnessed a true holiday miracle.