Neurovascular disorders in children: an updated practical guide

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Neurocritical Care
• Vascular Neurology

Background:

• Neurovascular disorders are a significant cause of brain injury in children, resulting in high mortality and morbidity.
• Childhood strokes, encompassing ischemic, hemorrhagic strokes, and cerebral venous sinus thromboses, have poorer outcomes than adult strokes despite advances in care.
• Unique risk factors and underlying causes differentiate pediatric strokes from adult strokes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the epidemiology, classification, and etiology of pediatric neurovascular disorders.
• To review risk factors, clinical presentations, diagnostic protocols, imaging findings, and current treatment and follow-up practices for pediatric neurovascular disorders.
• To highlight the challenges in recognizing and managing strokes in children.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on pediatric neurovascular disorders.
• Analysis of epidemiological data, risk factors, and clinical presentations.
• Summary of diagnostic and imaging protocols, and current treatment strategies.

Main Results:

• Paediatric neurovascular disorders present unique challenges including delayed recognition, diagnostic delays, and inadequate imaging.
• Specific risk factors and underlying causes are associated with different types of paediatric strokes and cerebral venous sinus thromboses.
• Current treatment and follow-up practices for children lag behind those for adults.

Conclusions:

• Improving outcomes for childhood neurovascular disorders requires addressing diagnostic delays and enhancing hyperacute interventions.
• A comprehensive understanding of the unique aspects of paediatric stroke is crucial for effective management.
• Further research and evidence are needed to improve the care and outcomes for children with neurovascular disorders.