Stroke in childhood

Lori C Jordan1

  • 1Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Neurology, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. ljordan2@jhmi.edu

The Neurologist
|March 15, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Childhood stroke, or arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), affects children and has unique risk factors. Current treatments are based on adult data, highlighting the need for pediatric-specific research and guidelines.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Vascular Neurology

Background:

  • Childhood stroke is a significant cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality.
  • Pediatric stroke risk factors differ from adult populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology, risk factors, evaluation, treatment, and outcomes of pediatric arterial ischemic stroke (AIS).
  • To highlight areas of controversy and future research needs in childhood AIS.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing literature on childhood arterial ischemic stroke (AIS).
  • Summarization of key aspects of history, physical examination, and diagnostic evaluation for AIS.

Main Results:

  • The review covers epidemiology, risk factors, evaluation, treatment, outcomes, and recurrence risk of pediatric AIS.
  • Key information for history, physical examination, and diagnostic evaluation is presented in tables.

Conclusions:

  • Children with stroke require thorough evaluation for risk factors and etiology.
  • Current treatment relies on adult data and expert opinion due to a lack of pediatric-specific evidence-based guidelines, except for sickle cell anemia.
  • Upcoming international trials are expected to provide crucial insights into childhood AIS management.
Abstract

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