Arterial ischaemic stroke in childhood

Stroke in childhood is poorly recognised amongst the public and healthcare professionals. Stroke in any age group should be considered a medical emergency and yet in children the diagnosis is often delayed with subsequent doubt regarding optimal management or treatment. Adult management protocols have been applied to children with limited evidence and uncertain success. This review looks at childhood arterial ischaemic stroke in the non-neonatal age group i.e. 1 month-16 years and summarises current guidelines and literature. The investigation and management of suspected and confirmed arterial ischaemic stroke, and stroke due to venous sinus thrombosis is discussed. Although thrombolysis is well-established in adult ischaemic stroke care, more studies are required to definitively guide the safe use of this medical therapy in the acute phase in children.