While the public has become more aware of the warning signs of a stroke in adults, few people realize that strokes (also known as cerebrovascular accidents) are common in children. In fact, strokes rank among the top ten causes of death in children in the United States, according to the Public Health Policy Advisory Board. It is important for people to be aware of the risk factors for childhood strokes and the warning signs that accompany strokes in children.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when there is an interruption of blood flow to the brain. This can happen when the vessels to the brain become clotted (also known as thrombosis) or when an artery in the brain bursts. The first example is referred to as an ischemic stroke, and the latter as a hemorrhagic stroke.
When blood cannot reach the brain, the part of the brain that is not receiving blood basically shuts down, and the body parts associated with that part of the brain stop working correctly. This disability can be temporary if the cause of the stroke is able to be treated and is treated quickly. But as many as 60 percent of children who experience strokes are left with permanent disability, and many will die as a result. Therefore, it is critical that if the warning signs of a stroke are detected in a child, medical attention and treatment must be sought immediately.
Risk Factors for Stroke in Children
The risk factors for stroke in children include:
- Sickle cell anemia (an inherited blood disorder)
- Abnormalities in the vessels of the brain, such as a cavernous angioma or arteriovenous malformations
- Abnormalities in the heart or heart valves
- Certain infections, such as meningitis, that can lead to clotting
- Lupus (an autoimmune disease)
- Trauma or injury to the head or neck
According to a study published in Neurology Journal, African-American children are more likely than Caucasian children to have a stroke; and boys are more likely than girls to experience a stroke.
Warning Signs of Stroke in Children
The warning signs of a stroke in children might be harder to detect when compared with adults, in part because children might not be able to clearly communicate what they are experiencing or because symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions. Some children might have nausea and start to vomit, or they might have seizures. In those situations, the fact that the child is having a stroke would be hard to see.
If a child starts speaking strangely or behaving oddly, parents might initially mistake the behavior for acting out. But in general, the warning signs of a stroke in children are similar to those in adults and include the sudden onset of one or more of the following:
- Weakness in, or inability to move, an arm or leg or both on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking or communicating; difficulty swallowing
- Changes in memory or ability to carry out tasks
When a child has a stroke, time is of the essence, just as it is for adults. Children need immediate medical attention in order to increase their chances of a full or optimal recovery.
For More Information:
Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association
American Stroke Association |
