Stroke in children: need for increased awareness

W V Med J. 2012 Nov-Dec;108(6):18-9.

Abstract

An 11-year old pediatric patient, who suffered a stroke is presented. She experienced a new-onset, severe, and persistent headache. Despite identification of a subacute ischemic lesion on CT scan, a delay in transfer to specialized care occurred. Laboratory investigations revealed hypercoagulability, which prompted treatment initiation. Stroke in children is a rare but significant cause of death and long-term disability. With increased understanding, improved guidelines, and emerging treatment options for children's stroke, increased awareness about this disease is necessary for prompt identification and treatment in this population.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aspirin / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Female
  • Folic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Headache / etiology
  • Hematinics / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Stroke / complications
  • Stroke / diagnosis*
  • Stroke / drug therapy*
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Hematinics
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Folic Acid
  • Aspirin