Stroke can occur in children at any age from birth to adolescent age. It affects 1 in 4,000 newborns and 1 in 8,000 children under 18 years of age. It can present as one sided weakness (hemiparesis), facial asymmetry, slurred speech, focal seizures.

Causes of stroke are different from adults. Pediatric stroke in children due to post infectious, congenital heart diseases, sickle cell disease, platelet and vascular disorders, moya moya and MELAS.

Recognition of stroke is often delayed or even missed in most children. Many children with stroke syndromes are misdiagnosed with more common conditions that mimic strokes, such as migraines, epilepsy, or viral illnesses.

Early recognition and treatment during the first hours and days after a stroke is critical in optimizing long-term functional outcomes and minimizing recurrence risk.

Every year October 29th is celebrated as World stroke day to increase awareness and drive action on stroke around the world.