Pediatric stroke awareness
Stroke Happens to Children Too
Stroke affects about 1 in 4,000 newborns and up to 25 children per 100,000 each year. Knowing the signs — and acting fast — can change everything.
Recognize the signs
Pediatric Stroke Warning Signs
Children's stroke symptoms can differ from adults and are often mistaken for other conditions. Use BE-FAST — and know the child-specific signs below.
Balance
Sudden loss of balance or coordination, stumbling, or inability to walk normally.
Eyes
Sudden vision changes, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
Face
Facial drooping or uneven smile — ask the child to smile and check for asymmetry.
Arms
Arm weakness or numbness — ask the child to raise both arms and watch for drift.
Speech
Slurred speech, inability to speak, or sudden difficulty understanding language.
Time
Time to call 911 immediately. Every minute matters — do not wait to see if it passes.
Child-Specific Signs to Watch For
Sudden severe headache
Especially in newborns and infants — unusual crying, bulging fontanelle, or seizures.
Seizures
New-onset seizures, especially on one side of the body, are a common pediatric stroke sign.
Extreme sleepiness
Sudden, unusual lethargy or difficulty waking that is out of character for the child.
Preference for one hand
Infants who strongly favor one hand before 18 months may have had a perinatal stroke.
If you suspect a child is having a stroke — call 911 immediately.
Do not drive to the hospital yourself. Emergency responders can begin treatment en route and alert the hospital to prepare.
Understanding causes
Why Do Children Have Strokes?
Pediatric stroke has different causes than adult stroke. Many children who have a stroke have an underlying condition — but stroke can also occur in otherwise healthy children.
Heart conditions
Congenital heart defects are the leading cause of stroke in children, accounting for up to 30% of cases. Blood clots can form and travel to the brain.
Blood disorders
Sickle cell disease significantly raises stroke risk. Children with sickle cell have up to a 10% lifetime risk of stroke without preventive treatment.
Arterial abnormalities
Conditions like arterial dissection, moyamoya disease, and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can restrict or interrupt blood flow to the brain.
Infection & inflammation
Meningitis, encephalitis, and other infections can cause inflammation of blood vessels in the brain, leading to stroke.
Perinatal factors
Strokes occurring around birth (perinatal stroke) may be linked to placental problems, birth complications, or maternal health conditions.
Unknown causes
In up to 20% of pediatric stroke cases, no clear cause is found even after thorough evaluation — making awareness and fast response even more critical.
Treatment & recovery
Treatment Is Different for Children
Pediatric stroke treatment is specialized. Children's brains have greater plasticity than adults, which can support remarkable recovery — but only with prompt diagnosis and the right care.
Immediate emergency care
Call 911 at the first sign of stroke. Children should be taken to a pediatric stroke center or the nearest emergency department with pediatric capabilities.
tPA and thrombectomy
Clot-busting medications (tPA) and mechanical thrombectomy may be used in select pediatric cases, though protocols differ from adult treatment guidelines.
Treating the underlying cause
Identifying and managing the root cause — such as a heart defect or blood disorder — is essential to prevent recurrence.
Rehabilitation
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are cornerstones of recovery. Children's brains can rewire and compensate in ways adult brains cannot, making early rehab critical.
School & developmental support
Many child survivors need educational accommodations, neuropsychological evaluation, and ongoing developmental monitoring as they grow.
For families
Supporting Your Child and Family
A pediatric stroke diagnosis is overwhelming. You are not alone — and there are resources, communities, and specialists who understand what your family is going through.
Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA)
NationalSupport, education, and community for families of children affected by stroke and hemiplegia.
Visit ResourcePediatric Stroke Network
NationalPeer support and resources connecting families of pediatric stroke survivors across the country.
Visit ResourceAmerican Stroke Association — Pediatric Stroke
NationalClinical resources, research updates, and family guides from the ASA's pediatric stroke program.
Visit ResourceStrokeWoke Community Support
LocalConnect with our local Central Valley network for support, events, and resources close to home.
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StrokeWoke connects Central Valley families with stroke education, local resources, and community support. Reach out anytime.