Warning signs of stroke in children

Stroke cases in children are becoming increasingly common, but atypical symptoms often lead families to miss the critical window for treatment.

Children who have suffered strokes are being treated at Hospital 108.

According to Dr. Nguyen Van Tuyen, Director of the Institute of Neurology and Head of the Stroke Department at Military Central Hospital 108, although strokes in children are still considered rare, the rate of patients under 45 years old admitted to the hospital is on the rise.

By 2025, children and young adults will account for approximately 10-15% of cases treated in the department, primarily due to cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage. In this group, the mechanism causing vascular occlusion is less related to atherosclerosis than in adults, and usually originates from arterial dissection – a dangerous condition accounting for 30-50% of infarction cases. Dissection can occur when children play, run, jump, collide, or forcefully turn their necks, damaging the vascular endothelium, or due to vasculitis.

According to experts, stroke at any age is a race against time. With each passing minute, billions of nerve cells can suffer irreversible damage. Thrombolytic drugs are usually effective within the first 3-4.5 hours, while mechanical thrombectomy is indicated within 6 hours.

However, Dr. Tuyen emphasized that parents should not delay seeking medical attention because of the "golden hour," as the later they arrive at the hospital, the lower their chances of survival and recovery.

The worrying thing is that children often cannot describe their feelings, and symptoms are easily mistaken for fatigue or the flu. Symptoms such as severe headaches, weakness in the limbs, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, seizures, or sudden collapse, even if fleeting, should be monitored and the child should be taken to the doctor as soon as possible.

According to health experts, there is no foolproof way to prevent stroke in children because the causes are often complex and unclear. However, early detection is always crucial in limiting damage and preserving life.

" Stroke can occur at any age. The vigilance of family, teachers, and the community is key to saving children ," the expert said.

PV (compiled)

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/dau-hieu-canh-bao-dot-quy-o-tre-em-528889.html