Pediatric Stroke

Stroke in children tend to have different causes than in adults. The most common cause of stroke in a child is a heart problem. Other causes for children include sickle cell disease (a type of blood disease passed down through families), infection, trauma, dehydration, blood clotting problems, and birth defects. In many cases, however, no cause can be found. While strokes in children can be devastating, children appear to have a better ability to heal because of the greater ­flexibility and plasticity of their nervous system and brain. With physical?and speech therapy, many childhood stroke survivors recover?most or all the use of their arms, legs and speech. In this segment, Kristin Guilliams, MD, Washington University pediatric neurologist at St. Louis Children's Hospital, discusses causes and treatment for stroke in children and when to refer to a specialist.