Published: June 3, 2025
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
When Ezekiel Nzombi was just 2 years old, his family faced a nightmare no parent expects. Ezekiel suddenly began showing alarming symptoms — loss of coordination, slurred speech and one-sided weakness.
“He was playing with a basketball and suddenly fell and started crying,” said Megan Nzombi, Ezekiel’s mom. “I went to give him a drink. He would normally grab with both hands, and I noticed he was not lifting up his right arm. I then tickled both Ezekiel’s feet — his left foot reacted, and his right foot did not.”
Trusting their instincts, Megan and her husband Gedeon rushed Ezekiel to the Norton Children’s Hospital emergency department. By the time they arrived, the toddler had slurred speech and drooping on the right side of his face.
At the hospital, they received a diagnosis that would change everything: Ezekiel had experienced pediatric stroke.
Though strokes are commonly associated with adults, they do occur in children — even infants. Pediatric strokes affect about 1 in 4,000 newbornsand1 in 10,000 children each year. The signs can be subtle and often are misattributed to other conditions.Rapid diagnosis and treatment, however, are essential to a child’s recovery from stroke.
“The word ‘stroke’ felt impossible. It’s something that happens to older people, not our toddler who had always been healthy and vibrant,” Gedeon said. “We were overwhelmed by fear, confusion and helplessness.”
Suddenly, every plan, every routine, every dream for Ezekiel became uncertain. Would he be able to participate in normal activities? What would his learning and development look like in the future? What support would be needed for him to live a normal life?
The team at Norton Children’s worked quickly to treat Ezekiel’s condition.
“Time saved is brain saved — especially in children,” said Arpita Lakhotia, M.D., pediatric neurologist with Norton Children’s Neuroscience Institute and director of the pediatric stroke program. “Early recognition and treatment are critical, because the developing brain has an incredible ability to adapt and recover, but only if intervention happens quickly.”
Thanks to the prompt response and specialized care provided by Dr. Lakhotia and the Norton Children’s team, Ezekiel began receiving treatment immediately. That swift action set him on a path to healing.
Over the next six years, Ezekiel’s journey became one of resilience, supported by continuous neurologic care and unwavering encouragement.
“These exceptional doctors didn’t just treat our son — they became partners in his journey, celebrating every milestone and guiding us through every challenge,” Megan said.
“Recovery from pediatric stroke is not just about physical healing,” Dr. Lakhotia said. “It’s about helping the child and the family regain confidence, independence and hope.”
Those words rang true time and time again. Each achievement — Ezekiel’s first post-stroke steps, starting school, joining youth sports teams — marked a triumph not only for him but for everyone who walked alongside him.
On May 8, 2025, Ezekiel was officially discharged from neurology care at Norton Children’s. Today, he’s a thriving second grader enrolled in a high-ability learning program. He plays basketball and soccer — often with children older than him — and lives a vibrant, active life.
“The road hasn’t always been easy, but the barriers we’ve overcome have only made this moment more meaningful,” Gedeon said. “Because of the prompt, expert care at Norton Children’s, our son has not only regained his health — he’s soaring.”
Pediatric stroke remains under-recognized, so awareness is vital. Symptoms in children can include:
Pediatric stroke in babies may be subtle but can include:
“If something feels off, don’t wait. Seek emergency care,” Dr. Lakhotia said. “Parents know their children best. Acting on those instincts can make all the difference.”