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A Battery of Motor Tests in a Neonatal Mouse Model of Cerebral Palsy
Published on: November 3, 2016
[Cerebral apoplexy in children]
N H Birkebaek1, J R Ostergaard
1Paediatrisk afdeling, Arhus Kommunehospital.
Insights
Pediatric stroke, though rare, necessitates thorough investigation due to diverse causes and potential genetic links. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and reducing long-term disability in children.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Context:
- Childhood stroke is uncommon, with an estimated incidence of 2-3 per 100,000 children annually.
- Multiple prothrombotic conditions often coexist in pediatric stroke cases.
- Identifying the cause is critical for tailored treatment and genetic counseling.
Purpose:
- To review the pathophysiology and diverse etiologies of stroke in children.
- To emphasize the importance of comprehensive diagnostic workups for pediatric stroke.
- To discuss current and potential treatment strategies, including symptomatic, causal, and reperfusion therapies.
Summary:
- Pediatric stroke involves complex pathophysiology and numerous potential causes, frequently involving multiple prothrombotic states.
- Diagnostic evaluation is extensive, aiming to identify underlying conditions, including genetic factors.
- Treatment focuses on cerebral perfusion and energy reduction, with reperfusion therapy under investigation; causal treatments are possible in some instances.
Impact:
- Approximately 25% of childhood strokes are fatal, with 50% resulting in some disability.
- Early and accurate diagnosis can lead to improved treatment and potential prenatal interventions for genetic causes.
- Understanding pediatric stroke contributes to better management strategies and improved long-term prognoses for affected children.
Abstract:
Stroke in children is rare. No really good studies of the incidence are available, an estimate, however, is 2-3/100,000 children per year. In this paper we discuss the pathophysiology and the many different causes of stroke in children. In many of the cases more than one prothrombotic condition exists. If the cause is not obvious an extensive programme of examinations is recommended. This is important not only in order to give the best individual treatment, but also necessary in order to decide whether the stroke has a genetic cause. Initially, the treatment is symptomatic, attaching importance to achieving good perfusion of the cerebrum and lowering the energy consumption of the cerebrum. The rational treatment might be prompt reperfusion by thrombolytic medicine: this regime has been tried in adults, but as yet no consensus about this treatment modality exists. In some cases causal treatment is possible. If the stroke has a genetic cause genetic consultation is important and prenatal investigations might be possible. Overall, the mortality in stroke in children is about 25%. About 25% will live without any sequelae and approximately 50% of the children will disabled to a greater or lesser extent.
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