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Published on: January 15, 2017
Stroke in children: need for increased awareness
1Department of Pediatrics, Child Neurology West Virginia University Morgantown, WV, USA.
Insights
Pediatric stroke, though rare, requires prompt recognition and treatment. This case highlights the importance of rapid diagnosis and transfer for children experiencing severe headaches, a potential stroke symptom.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Radiology
Background:
- Stroke in children is uncommon but leads to significant mortality and long-term disability.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric stroke patients.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old presented with a severe, persistent headache, later diagnosed as a subacute ischemic lesion on CT scan.
- A delay in transfer to specialized care was noted despite initial imaging findings.
Findings:
- Laboratory investigations revealed a hypercoagulable state in the patient.
- Treatment was initiated upon identification of the hypercoagulable condition.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of pediatric stroke symptoms, such as severe headache, is essential for healthcare providers.
- Improved guidelines and emerging treatments necessitate prompt diagnosis and specialized care for pediatric stroke.
- This case underscores the need for efficient transfer protocols to specialized centers for pediatric stroke management.
Abstract:
An 11-year old pediatric patient, who suffered a stroke is presented. She experienced a new-onset, severe, and persistent headache. Despite identification of a subacute ischemic lesion on CT scan, a delay in transfer to specialized care occurred. Laboratory investigations revealed hypercoagulability, which prompted treatment initiation. Stroke in children is a rare but significant cause of death and long-term disability. With increased understanding, improved guidelines, and emerging treatment options for children's stroke, increased awareness about this disease is necessary for prompt identification and treatment in this population.
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