Can Children suffer from strokes? Children’s Hospital Specialist tackles misconceptions
Dr Shakti Agrawal, Lead Paediatric Stroke Specialist at our Children’s Hospital, is dedicated to raising awareness and addressing misconceptions.
The simple answer to the question, ‘Can children suffer from strokes?’ is, sadly, yes.
Dr Agrawal said: “It’s important to note, the outcomes in children are often more favourable compared to adults.
“The encouraging aspect is that strokes in children are more recoverable, thanks to the plasticity of young brains. This plasticity enables their brains to rewire and adapt to some extent.”
There are two main types of strokes.
Ischemic stroke
This is the most common type and occurs when a blood vessel in the brain—usually an artery—becomes blocked. The blockage prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain, leading to cell death.
Hemorrhagic stroke
Less common but equally serious, this type occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing blood to spill into nearby tissue. The leaked blood exerts pressure on brain cells, resulting in damage.
Treatment options for paediatric strokes can include clot buster medication but it is not possible to administer this with later presentation (beyond six hours of symptoms onset).
Therefore, early recognition and presentation are crucial. In some cases, children may undergo a mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure where a catheter is used to remove a blood clot from the brain.
We also use blood thinning agents such as aspirin to prevent further strokes in a child who has already had a stroke or is at risk of having a stroke.
Dr Agrawal, who has been part of our specialist Children’s Hospital team for more than 16 years, said: “Symptoms between adults and children can be different. For adults and older children, it includes facial dropping, arm weakness and slurred speech.
“People may remember these symptoms more as FAST from national awareness campaigns.
Facial dropping
Arm weakness
Speech slurring
Time to Act
“If you, or anyone you know, exhibits these symptoms you should call 999 immediately."
Dr Agrawal emphasised that symptoms in younger children can be different and are often nonspecific.
He said: “Younger children may show signs such as seizures (often affecting one side of the body), poor feeding, excessive sleepiness, irritability or headaches.
“While these symptoms can be subtle, it’s crucial for caregivers and healthcare professionals to recognise them.”
Advances in Stroke Care
Although strokes are serious for both children and adults, advancements in medical care and rapid diagnosis have significantly improved outcomes. Prompt action can minimise long-term damage and enhance recovery.Paediatric strokes are rare, with approximately 400 cases diagnosed annually in the UK.
Despite this rarity, Dr Agrawal shares an optimistic message for affected families: “It’s essential not to lose hope. Our understanding of paediatric strokes has grown and treatment options have expanded.
“Additionally, I, along with my peers across the country, am part of a national research project to share knowledge and improve care. The most important thing to remember is that children who experience strokes can go on to lead happy and fulfilling lives.”
Dr. Agrawal has also contributed to the development of clinical guidelines for childhood stroke. You can access these guidelines on the RCPCH (Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health) website.