Stroke in children is not a myth or an exception. Despite the widespread belief that this disease affects only the elderly, dozens of cases of stroke in children are recorded in Ukraine every year. How not to miss the symptoms and why early diagnosis saves lives, said pediatric neurosurgeon Vyacheslav Dabizha from the Odrex Medical Center.
The doctor explains: most often, strokes occur in newborns - in the first 28 days of life. The so-called neonatal stroke is registered with a frequency of up to 40 cases per 100 thousand infants. In older children, strokes occur less often - 2–13 cases per 100 thousand.
The causes are not the same as in adults: they can be congenital heart defects, blood clotting problems, severe infections, injuries, or abnormalities of the blood vessels in the brain.
Symptoms of stroke in children
In infants: seizures, lethargy, asymmetrical body movements, feeding problems.
In older children: numbness of the face, arms, or legs on one side, speech disorders, loss of coordination, severe headache.
In order not to lose precious time, the doctor reminds us of the FAST rule:
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Face – is the face crooked?
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Arm – can the child raise both arms?
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Speech – problems with speech?
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Time – don’t delay, call an ambulance!
Is it possible to recover from a stroke?
Yes, children have a much better chance of recovery than adults. This is due to the fact that the brain in childhood is more “flexible” — its areas can “take over” the functions of the affected parts. But it all depends on the speed of assistance, the severity of the damage, and the intensity of rehabilitation.
How to prevent stroke in a child
Prevention depends on individual risks. If a child has heart disease, thrombosis, infections, or genetic predispositions, they should be under the supervision of doctors. It is also important to vaccinate children, avoid injuries, and maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially during adolescence.
“A stroke in a child is always a shock for the family. But timely help and rehabilitation work wonders. Therefore, the main thing is not to waste time,” concludes Vyacheslav Dabizha.
