Strokes Can Also Happen to Children

Improved knowledge and management of stroke symptoms could lead to improved outcomes and faster diagnosis of strokes in children, a new study recommends.

The study, conducted by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (PA, USA), examined 12 children aged two to 18 years, who had presented to various local emergency centers in 2003 and 2004. All the children had acute arterial ischemic stroke, with the main symptoms either one-sided paralysis or difficulty walking normally. Although the majority of children in the study were brought to medical attention promptly after the onset of their symptoms, they experienced delays approaching 24 hours before receiving a definitive diagnosis and emergency stroke-specific treatment. The study was presented at the International Stroke Conference held in Kissimmee (FL, USA) in February 2006.

Although usually thought of as afflicting only elderly patients, strokes may occur as early as infancy, said pediatric neurologist Rebecca Ichord, M.D., director of the pediatric stroke program at the hospital. Stroke needs to be considered by first-line pediatric caregivers who encounter a patient with suspicious neurological symptoms, such as difficulty in walking or using an arm.”

The faster we can recognize and diagnose stroke, the more quickly we can apply effective treatment, Dr. Ichord continued. The first treatment involves neuroprotective measures, which include maintaining adequate blood pressure, supplying fluids, and appropriate medication. Later, the patient may need aggressive physical rehabilitation.

Strokes in children may occur as complications of other illnesses, such as a previously undetected heart condition or sickle cell disease. Another reason could be trauma, such as a whiplash injury to the neck that damages an artery, leaving it a vulnerable site for blood clots.



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Children's Hospital of Philadelphia