Stroke in children

Stroke is a thrombohemorrhagic disorder of the central nervous system, with a fairly good outcome in pediatric age group except for the infancy period. In children ischemic type is more common than hemorrhagic type. Though it is difficult to distinguish between thrombotic and embolic phenomenon but it is largely due to cardiovascular lesions, at times it may be the first symptom to appear. The signs and symptoms also appear to be vague in children, hence difficult to pinpoint the etiology. The treatment of stroke is largely for stabilization of the patient, but it is very important to know the cause to prevent future strokes. Use of heparin in ischemic stroke is very promising and thrombolytic therapy is under trial.