Child Neurology Society, Philippines, Inc.
Neuro-vascular
and Pediatric Stroke
Pediatric Stroke: What Parents Should Know
Elbert John Layug, MD
Last edited: September 12, 2025
What is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when the brain’s blood supply is suddenly interrupted. Without enough oxygen, brain cells are damaged within minutes. Strokes can occur in children of all ages — even newborns — and always require emergency treatment.
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What tests we use to diagnose pediatric stroke?
Depending on your child’s symptoms, your pediatric neurologist may have the following done:
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CT scan (computed tomography scan) of their head to check for a brain bleed or an area of their brain affected by a blood clot.
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CT angiogram to check how blood flows through their heart, blood vessels and brain.
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Brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to help visualize the structure of your child’s brain and blood vessels. It’s the most sensitive test to diagnose a stroke.
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Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) to show providers how blood flows.
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Other tests used include:
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Echocardiogram (Echo) to check your child’s heart structure.
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Electroencephalogram (EEG) to determine if they’re experiencing seizures.
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Blood tests to determine conditions that cause blood clots or blood thinning.
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Genetic testing if certain genetic disorders are the suspected cause of the stroke.
Childhood stroke can happen between 1 month old to 18 years.
Causes of pediatric stroke include:
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Problems with blood vessels supplying the brain
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Blood clotting disorders
Risk factors for pediatric stoke include:
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Congenital heart defects
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Diabetes
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Thrombophilia or hemophilia
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Lack of oxygen to the brain at birth
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Serious brain or neck injury
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Genetic syndromes, such as Down syndrome
Perinatal stroke can happen in the last few months of pregnancy up to one month old.
Risk factors that could lead to perinatal stroke:
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Congenital heart disease
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Placenta disorders
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Blood clotting disorders
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Infections (e.g., meningitis)
Types of Stroke in Children
Ischemic Stroke (Blocked Blood Flow) happens when a blood clot blocks circulation in the brain arteries or veins.
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When a clot blocks a brain arteries, this is called an Arterial Ischemic Stroke (AIS)
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Symptoms include sudden weakness (often one side), slurred speech, vision loss, seizures, or loss of balance.
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Treatment involves giving blood thinners (like aspirin) to prevent more blockage, treating the root cause, and supportive care.
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When a clot blocks a the veins, this is called a Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis (CSVT)
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When a clot blocks the brain’s veins, this traps blood and raises pressure inside the head.
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Symptoms include severe headache, vomiting, seizures, weakness, vision problems, or in babies, a bulging soft spot and irritability.
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Treatment include blood thinners (like heparin), and treating the underlying cause (e.g., antibiotics, fluids).
Hemorrhagic Stroke (Bleeding in the Brain) happens when a blood vessel ruptures and blood leaks into or around the brain.
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These bleeds are commonly caused by abnormal blood vessels (AVMs, aneurysms), clotting disorders (hemophilia), brain tumors, and infections.
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Symptoms include sudden, severe headache, vomiting, seizures, weakness, confusion, or collapse.
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Brain bleeds can cause severe deterioration and can require neuro-intensive stabilization, surgery or endovascular procedures (to repair blood vessels or remove blood).
It is very important for a stroke victim to receive immediate attention. Because stroke in children is brought about by different possible causes, delayed diagnosis and treatment can bring about several long-term consequences and poorer outcomes. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention can help improve survival and avoid worsening brain damage.
Key Takeaways for Families
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Children and infants can have strokes — both ischemic (clot) and hemorrhagic (bleeding).
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BE.FAST is a simple way to recognize stroke signs quickly.
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Immediate hospital care is crucial — do not wait for symptoms to improve.
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Survivors may need long-term rehabilitation, but early action improves recovery.