The significant danger of minor trauma in pediatric patients: acute ischemic stroke

Zeynep Olmez Mart ¹, Emel Ulusoy ², Oznur Eser ¹

⁰Division of Pediatric Emergency Care, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.

Child's Nervous System : Chns : Official Journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery +

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November 21, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Minor head trauma can rarely cause pediatric ischemic stroke, necessitating neuroimaging in suspected cases. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes, though some cases may have poor prognoses.

Area Of Science

Neurology
Pediatrics
Emergency Medicine

Background

Minor head trauma is a frequent cause of pediatric emergency department visits.
While typically benign, it carries a rare risk of ischemic stroke.
Neuroimaging is vital for identifying stroke in specific pediatric cases.

Purpose Of The Study

To assess pediatric ischemic stroke following minor head trauma.
To highlight the importance of neuroimaging in diagnosis.
To analyze patient outcomes and treatment responses.

Main Methods

Case series of six pediatric patients with ischemic stroke post-minor head trauma.
Clinical presentation, neurological examination, and laboratory tests were evaluated.
Neuroimaging, including MRI and CT/MR angiography, was performed.

Main Results

Patients aged 9-56 months presented with focal neurological deficits within 72 hours.
No intracranial hemorrhage or fractures were found; lab tests were normal.
Four patients recovered fully with conservative treatment; two required surgery with poor prognosis.

Conclusions

Acute ischemic stroke following minor head trauma can cause significant morbidity.
Clinicians must consider stroke in children with neurological symptoms disproportionate to trauma.
Early neuroimaging is crucial for diagnosis and potentially life-saving interventions.

Keywords:

Basal ganglia calcification Minor trauma Pediatrics Stroke