It was once believed that 2 in every 100,000 children are victims of a stroke but thanks to the work of doctors at the Pediatric Stroke Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia it is now estimated that 12 in every 100,000 children suffer from strokes.
Strokes are so uncommon in children that parents and many doctors never imagine the child is suffering from a stroke although they may be presenting with the signs and symptoms associated with a stroke. In most cases strokes aren't recognized in children until 24 hours after the first sign or symptom. In all stroke cases, time is of the essence, the faster a stroke is diagnosed and treated the less brain damage the patient will experience. Those at the highest risk for a stroke are children born with a hole in their heart and those with vascular problems however the risk is so low that they are not routinely screened for a stroke.
Children suffering from a stroke present the same symptoms of adults suffering from a stroke. The child may lose the ability to walk, speak, use one side of their body, and may become disoriented. Child stroke suffers are more capable of leading a healthy and active life than those who experience a stroke as an adult. A child's brain is still developing and is able to work around those areas affected by the stroke and many return to full health with no disabilities or impairments.
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