Dr. Sameeta Mercy Prabhu, Consultant – Paediatric Neurology, Rainbow Children’s Hospital 

When we think of stroke, we usually imagine it affecting older adults — but children, even newborns, can have strokes too. Paediatric stroke affects nearly 1 in every 2,000 children, and timely recognition makes all the difference. 

What Is a Stroke? 

When something interrupts blood flow to a part of the brain, it causes a stroke that injures or kills brain cells. This can happen because of: 

• A blocked blood vessel (ischemic stroke) 

• A burst blood vessel (haemorrhagic stroke) 

Both types can cause serious complications if not identified early. 

Also Read: What Is Dyscalculia, the Condition Victoria Beckham Was Bullied for in Her Childhood? Experts Share Tips to Deal With It 

Recognizing the Warning Signs 

Watch out for: 

• Sudden weakness of face, arm, or leg (often one-sided) 

• Slurred or unclear speech 

• Sudden vision problems 

• Loss of balance or coordination 

• Persistent severe headache 

• Sudden behavioural change, excessive irritability, or inconsolable crying in infants 

• Seizures 

If you notice these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. 

Why Do Strokes Happen in Children? 

Unlike adults, strokes in children are rarely due to lifestyle factors like hypertension or high cholesterol. 

Common causes include: 

• Heart disease or congenital heart defects 

• Blood and blood vessel disorders (like sickle cell disease) 

• Infections such as meningitis 

• Dehydration or head and neck trauma 

• Genetic or metabolic disorders in some cases 

How Is It Diagnosed? 

Quick and accurate diagnosis is essential: 

• MRI or CT scans to detect brain injury 

• Blood tests to look for clotting or infection 

• Echocardiogram (ECHO) to check the heart 

• Clinicians perform a lumbar puncture or genetic tests when they suspect metabolic or inherited causes.

Treatment Approach 

Treatment focuses on identifying and managing the underlying cause: 

• Supportive care in the acute phase 

• Blood thinners (like heparin, warfarin, or aspirin) in select cases 

• Treatment of infections or metabolic causes 

• Surgery (e.g., thrombectomy or decompression) if required 

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Recovery and the Power of Neuroplasticity 

Children’s brains are incredibly adaptable — a concept known as neuroplasticity. 

With early physiotherapy and rehabilitation, even newborns can regain lost functions and develop new neural pathways. 

The earlier therapy starts, the better the brain’s ability to reorganize and recover. 

Can Paediatric Stroke Be Prevented? 

Unlike adults, who can manage modifiable risk factors like obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, and smoking to prevent stroke, structural or non-modifiable causes usually cause strokes in children.

Therefore, doctors cannot prevent the first stroke in a child, as no lifestyle measures or interventions can be taken in advance.

However, once clinicians identify the underlying cause, they can take steps to prevent a second or recurrent stroke through targeted treatment and monitoring.

The Takeaway 

Paediatric stroke is not as rare as once thought — but recovery is possible with early recognition, diagnosis, and rehabilitation. 

By spreading awareness, we can help more children get timely care and live healthy, fulfilling lives. 

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