Stroke in Children

Pediatric Stroke: Early Detection, Treatment & Hope for Recovery

While strokes are commonly associated with adults, they can also occur in infants and children. Pediatric stroke is a serious condition that requires timely diagnosis and expert care. At Dr. Neelu Desai’s clinic, we provide specialized evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation support for children affected by stroke to help them recover and thrive.

What is a Pediatric Stroke?

A pediatric stroke happens when the blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to brain damage and functional impairment. Strokes can happen before birth (prenatal), shortly after birth (neonatal), or during childhood.

Causes of Stroke in Children

Pediatric strokes are rare but have multiple underlying causes:

  • Congenital heart defects
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Infections like meningitis or encephalitis
  • Head or neck trauma
  • Vasculitis or inflammation of blood vessels
  • Genetic or metabolic conditions

Symptoms to Watch For

Stroke symptoms in children can be subtle and easily missed. Look out for:

  • Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
  • Seizures, especially on one side
  • Trouble speaking or understanding language
  • Loss of coordination or balance
  • Sudden headache or vomiting
  • Difficulty walking or feeding (in infants)

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is critical for better outcomes. Diagnostic tools include:

  • MRI or CT scans to detect brain damage
  • Blood tests to assess clotting and metabolic function
  • Echocardiogram and ECG for heart evaluation
  • Cerebral angiography for blood vessel imaging

Treatment & Recovery

Treatment depends on the stroke’s cause, type, and severity.

  • Emergency care to restore blood flow or manage bleeding
  • Anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications
  • Surgery, in some cases, to relieve pressure or correct defects
  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapy for rehabilitation
  • Long-term follow-up for neurological development

Living After a Stroke

Recovery varies by child, but with early rehab, many regain significant functions.

Supportive care includes:

  • Consistent therapy (PT, OT, speech)
  • Developmental monitoring
  • School readiness assessments
  • Emotional and social support for family

FAQs

Can a child fully recover from a stroke?

Many children make remarkable recoveries with timely intervention and therapy.

Is a stroke in children preventable?

Some risk factors can be managed with early diagnosis and preventive care.

Worried about stroke symptoms in your child?

Early intervention makes all the difference.
Book a pediatric neurology consultation with Dr. Neelu Desai today!