The ‘harmless’ symptom that revealed my seven-year-old son was having a stroke

Junior began complaining of pins and needles when swimming in May with his mum (Picture: Kennedy News & Media) Evangelynne Williams had taken her son swimming in May 2026, when he began complaining of pins and needles. The mum-of-one asked ChatGPT what might be causing the tingly sensation — as well as a weakness in his left side — and the AI bot suggested it could be a sign of a stroke. As Patient.info states, ‘while “pins and needles” from sitting awkwardly is harmless, persistent or spreading sensations require medical evaluation.’ So, Evangelynne, rushed seven-year-old, Junior, to hospital, where he was assessed, and cleared to go home. But in the weeks that followed, Junior, continued to deteriorate. Junior first went to the hospital in May, but was soon sent home as nothing serious was detected (Picture: Kennedy News & Media) On June 25, 2026. he woke up vomiting, and eventually became delirious and unresponsive. Panicked, Evangelynne, 27, took her son back back to hospital, where she was eventually given the shocking news: her son had suffered a stroke. Evangelynne, from Portslade, explains: ‘He woke up and was complaining of feeling sick, [then] he was sick a couple of times. ‘He was very delirious. He was laughing, unable to walk or hold his body weight up…and his eyes were shut. He was completely non-responsive. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘He was dribbling; we must have used about a thousand tissues because we were constantly wiping his face.’ At first, due to the soaring temperatures in the UK this year, Evangelynne wondered if her son was simply too hot. And, at hospitashe says ‘professionals were saying there was nothing wrong’. In June, Junior suffered a stroke due to a blocked artery in his brain (Picture: Kennedy News & Media) She adds: ‘On the day that was 38 degrees, I genuinely thought it might just be down to the heat.’ However, at hospital, Evangelynne says it almost ‘looked as if he was having seizures and he was crying out in pain.’ Eventually, Evangelynne’s mum stepped in, and urged doctors to take a closer look at his symptoms. But scans revealed that Junior had a blocked artery in his brain, which had caused a stroke. He was then blue-lighted to another hospital, where he was placed in a coma for three weeks. ‘I didn’t in a million years think it was a stroke; I didn’t even know children could have strokes,’ says Evangelynne. ‘I thought I was going to wake up and it was a bad dream. ‘The doctor said the best possible outcome would be that he might be able to clip a button with his right hand. Junior is now recovering but has brain damage (Picture: Kennedy News & Media) ‘There was no hope.’ After leaving hospital on August 11, Junior already walking and talking again. But tragically, he has suffered brain damage that’s resulted in his behaviour regressing to when he was a toddler. Evangelynne describes Junior’s behaviour as ‘almost like he’s gone back four five years.’ Now, the mum-of-one is focusing on his recovery and has set up a fundraiser, which you can donate to here. A University Hospitals Sussex spokesperson said: ‘We extend our sincere apologies to Junior and his family, and fully appreciate how difficult this must have been for them. ‘We are investigating Junior’s care so that we can fully understand the circumstances, and try to identify whether there is any learning that could help improve our care in the future. Deals of the Day The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 A friend said I looked 'snatched' – I credit this new Charlotte Tilbury powder Shop MySweetSmile's biggest Bank Holiday offers before they end Back-to-school shopping just got a lot cheaper thanks to Primark The back-to-school essential parents forget every year – and it could cost them ‘We will do all we can to support Junior and his family, listen to their concerns, and talk with them whenever they feel ready to speak with us.’ Signs of stroke in children A stroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect a stroke, you should always call 999. The Stroke Association outline how to use the FAST test to spot strokes in children. Face: Can the young person smile? Has their face fallen on one side? Arms: Can they raise both arms and keep them there? Speech: Can they speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred? Time: If you see any one of these three signs, it’s time to call 999. However, children and young people may have other stroke symptoms, including: Sudden severe headache Seizures (fits) New and sudden vertigo Dizziness or confusion Problems with walking or balance Nausea/vomiting Drowsiness, or loss of consciousness Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in both eyes Weakness or numbness on one side of the body Changes in sensation, like pins and needles in arms or legs Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: I’m sick of over-the-top first day of school photos Arrow MORE: I was sold as a baby – when I finally met my birth mother it was a disaster Arrow MORE: Argos has unveiled its children’s toys for Christmas 2026 — and it’s a nostalgia fest The Slice Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.