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Stroke Symptoms in Children

Most people think of adults when they hear the word stroke. When they recognize that they or a loved one is having a stroke, most people know they have to seek medical treatment within 12 to 24 hours to avoid permanent blood vessel damage. However, people may not readily identify stroke symptoms in children. The National Stroke Association says that some of the risk factors for the small percentage of children who suffer strokes include birth defects, infections, trauma, blood conditions like sickle cell anemia, and some physical and mental disabilities. Some stroke symptoms in children are similar to those in adults.

  1. Severe Headaches and Seizures

    • The National Stroke Association states that one of the first stroke symptoms in children is the complaint of a severe headache. Parents will know that something is wrong, because children rarely complain of headaches. These headaches may be so severe that children want to lie down. Infants may not complain of a headache, but they develop seizures. As with adults, parents should seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur.

    Speech and Mobility

    • Just like adults, stroke symptoms in children include problems with speech and mobility because of temporary paralysis and weakness on one side of their bodies. Speech problems include inability to form words or slurred, inappropriate speech. Body numbness causes loss of coordination in the arms and legs and loss of balance.

    Urinary Incontinence

    • According to St. John's Hospital's Stroke Treatment home page, urinary incontinence is another stroke symptom in children. This is a condition in which people lose bladder control, ranging from minor leakage to uncontrolled urination. Incontinence occurs because strokes reduce muscle control in the body.

    Facial Muscles

    • Stroke symptoms in children affect their facial muscles as well. Weak facial muscles include eye problems that can cause blurred vision, unequal pupils and partial or total blindness. Other facial problems include a droopy expression and drooling due to paralysis. These visible symptoms will likely be noticeable to parents or caregivers. Children may also have a distended vein in their necks.

    Loss of Consciousness

    • St. John's Hospital also states that symptoms of childhood strokes include temporary loss of consciousness and snoring sounds. This condition may occur in conjunction with two or more of the other stroke symptoms. If children lose consciousness, parents should immediately bring them to the hospital for doctors to monitor the condition.

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