Nature reviews. Neurology
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Nature reviews. Neurology · Apr 2011
ReviewChallenges in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric stroke.
Stroke in children is rarely due to traditional stroke risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes. Rather, stroke in this patient group typically results from the simultaneous occurrence of multiple stroke risk factors, the presence of which necessitates a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of this disorder. Several challenges exist in the care of children with stroke. ⋯ Perhaps the most significant challenge is the need for clinical research studies focusing on pediatric stroke treatment, so as to allow evidence-based treatment decision-making. A final challenge is the standardization of outcome assessment after stroke for a wide range of ages and developmental levels. In this Review, we examine recent findings and diagnostic issues pertaining to both arterial ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke in children.