Pediatric Stroke

Stroke affects patients across the lifespan, and this chapter will focus on stroke in pediatric patients. Pediatric stroke is often divided into perinatal (20 weeks gestation to 28 postnatal days) and childhood (29 days–18 years). Pediatric stroke occurs in an estimated 3–25 per 100,000 children in developed countries, with newborns accounting for the highest risk (Ferriero et al., Stroke 50(3):E51–96, 2019, Sacco et al., Stroke 44(7):2064–89, 2013). Timely and accurate identification, diagnosis, and referral to an equipped pediatric stroke center for treatment are imperative for minimizing brain injury, limiting complications, and optimizing functional and developmental outcomes (Amlie-Lefond, Continuum (Minneap Minn) 24(1):150–70, 2018).