In a heart-wrenching incident, a 6-year-old girl named Ottilie Atkins found herself facing a life-altering diagnosis. Her mother, Holly, noticed something amiss when she saw Ottilie's eyes pointing in different directions and not working in unison. This led to a series of events that would change their lives forever.

Initial Symptoms and Concerns

Ottilie had spent the afternoon "bouncing around" with her sister at an indoor play center in October. She then became "very pale and was saying, 'I feel really dizzy.' " Her mother, Holly, initially thought it was just due to running around too much and getting a bit hot. But as the day progressed, Ottilie's condition worsened. When she began walking home, her balance was off. At home, while watching a movie, she complained of seeing things twice. It was then that Holly noticed her eyes weren't working in unison. This was a terrifying sight that led them to rush to the hospital.After undergoing multiple tests including two MRI scans and a CT scan, the doctor delivered the devastating news - Ottilie had suffered a stroke. Holly couldn't believe what she was hearing. The doctor explained that the stroke was triggered by a chickenpox infection 18 months prior. The infection had caused Ottilie's brain to swell, leading to this tragic event.Although strokes are rare in children, as stated by The National Library of Medicine, the risk is quadrupled in those who have had chickenpox. Immediate intervention is crucial for recovery, and as John Hopkins Medicine emphasizes, a child's growing brain has a better chance of recovering than an adult's.Ottilie was given medication and spent three weeks in the hospital recovering. She is now home, but her eyesight is still impacted. "It's gradually made improvements but we've never known at what point it could potentially stop improving or if it will fully improve," Holly said. She now copes by moving her head more to counteract the double vision.Holly urges parents to "follow your gut" when something seems wrong at home. "As parents we always want to help our children but sometimes life is busy. Never let that deter you. The doctors are the professionals, seek their help."This story serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and seeking medical help when needed. It shows that even in the face of a difficult situation, there can be hope for recovery.