Brain attacks and stroke in children

Abstract

Emergency physicians are often the first point of contact in children presenting with acute neurological disorders. Differentiating serious disorders, such as stroke, from benign disorders, such as migraine, can be challenging. Clinical assessment influences decision-making, in particular the need for emergent neuroimaging to confirm diagnosis. This review describes the spectrum of disorders causing 'brain attack' symptoms, or acute onset focal neurological dysfunction, with particular emphasis on childhood stroke, because early recognition is essential to improve access to thrombolytic treatments, which have improved outcomes in adults. Clues to diagnosis of specific conditions are discussed. Symptoms and signs, which discriminate stroke from mimics, are described, highlighting differences to adults. Haemorrhagic and ischaemic stroke have different presenting features, which influence choice of the most appropriate imaging modality to maximise diagnostic accuracy. Improvements in the care of children with brain attacks require coordinated approaches and system improvements similar to those developed in adults.

Keywords: brain attack; cerebrovascular disease; childhood stroke; clinical neurology; emergency; neurological.