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Updated: May 30, 2026

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Published on: January 18, 2018
Ischemic stroke in infants and children: practical management in emergency
Sara Ciccone1, Michela Cappella, Caterina Borgna-Pignatti
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine-Pediatrics, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
Insights
Pediatric stroke, though rare, significantly impacts children. Early diagnosis and management are key, differing from adult stroke protocols.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
- Child Health
Background:
- Childhood stroke is uncommon, affecting 13/100,000 children.
- It carries substantial morbidity and mortality risks.
- Pediatric stroke differs from adult stroke in presentation and risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline current diagnostic and management strategies for pediatric arterial stroke.
- To provide practical directions based on international guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent international guidelines on pediatric stroke.
- Emphasis on clinical presentation, risk factor assessment, and diagnostic pathways.
Main Results:
- Pediatric stroke diagnosis is often delayed due to subtle, non-specific symptoms.
- Clinical evaluation must rule out underlying conditions.
- Neuroimaging is essential for diagnosis; other tests may be needed.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis and timely management are critical for improving outcomes in pediatric stroke.
- Adherence to updated guidelines is recommended for healthcare providers.
Abstract:
Stroke is a rare disease in children, with an estimated incidence 13/100000 and a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Clinical presentation and risk factors, present in almost half of pediatric patients, are not the same as in adults. The diagnosis of stroke in children is often delayed because signs and symptoms can be subtle and nonspecific. History and clinical examination should exclude underlying diseases or predisposing factors. Neuroimaging is crucial in defining diagnosis. Other tests might be necessary, according to the clinical picture. We present here the most recent practical directions on how to diagnose and manage arterial stroke in children, according to different international guidelines on the subject.
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