{
  "id": 15604134,
  "title": "Stroke isn’t just an adult emergency: What parents should watch for in children",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/stroke-isnt-just-an-adult-emergency-what-parents-should-watch-for-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T13:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2026/10/19/stroke-isnt-just-an-adult-emergency-what-parents-should-watch-for-in-children/239691"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Stroke can occur at any age, including in newborns and teenagers, and if symptoms are not recognized promptly, it can result in lasting neurological and developmental complications. Dr Tan Jen Ern, a Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Neurologist at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, explained that pediatric stroke is rare but not impossible, and its symptoms often mimic other childhood illnesses, leading to potential misdiagnosis. He emphasized that recognizing sudden neurological changes and seeking emergency assessment quickly is crucial. According to Malaysian pediatric stroke protocols, the condition affects between 2.5 and 13 cases per 100,000 children annually.\n\nChildren may struggle to articulate their symptoms, and a lack of awareness among parents and healthcare professionals can delay diagnosis and treatment. In older children and teenagers, symptoms may resemble those of adult stroke, such as facial drooping, weakness on one side of the body, or difficulty speaking. Babies and toddlers, however, might exhibit more subtle signs like seizures or difficulty feeding.\n\nBecause stroke in children is not commonly anticipated, parents might wait to see if symptoms resolve on their own. However, the timing of symptom onset is vital for determining the appropriate emergency treatment. Dr Tan stressed that calling an ambulance immediately is essential, as it enables the emergency system to coordinate the appropriate care and transport the child to a facility equipped for stroke expertise. He cautioned that the nearest hospital is not always the most suitable for acute stroke care, as additional time may be needed for diagnosis and specialized treatment, affecting the child's prognosis.\n\nChildhood stroke can arise from various causes, including heart disease, abnormalities of the brain's blood vessels, blood disorders, infections or inflammation, trauma, and genetic or metabolic conditions. In many instances, children exhibit an underlying condition that has yet to be identified, with the most common cause often being abnormalities in the brain's blood vessels. Diagnostic investigations may encompass blood tests, screening for clotting disorders, heart assessments such as electrocardiograms (ECG) and echocardiograms, and magnetic resonance imaging with angiography (MRI with MRA) to examine the brain and its blood vessels.\n\nThe initial treatment focuses on stabilizing the child, controlling seizures, and managing complications. Depending on the cause, clot-preventing medications may be administered. In selected cases meeting strict criteria, a minimally invasive procedure known as endovascular thrombectomy might be considered, provided the necessary expertise is available. Beyond the immediate medical emergency, childhood stroke can impact a child's cognitive functions, such as attention, memory, learning, communication, emotional regulation, and social participation, even after physical recovery.\n\nDr Tan highlighted that long-term follow-up is essential, as some developmental and learning difficulties might only manifest when children enter school and face increased academic and social demands. He urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if they observe sudden weakness on one side, facial asymmetry, difficulty speaking, or an unexplained seizure. Emphasizing comprehensive care, he stressed that treatment should address both the stroke and the child's development and quality of life. The Sunway Medical Centre Velocity will host a neuroscience public event, \"Brain for Life: The Ultimate Mind & Motion Experience,\" from October 30 to November 1, featuring stroke awareness, memory, and brain health workshops, interactive activities, panel discussions, complimentary consultations, health assessments, and promotions on health screening packages. Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience Malaysia's first educational Stroke Mirror, which simulates stroke-related symptoms to educate families on recognizing this warning sign.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 — Stroke can happen at any age, including newborns and teenagers, and delays in recognising t...",
  "key_points": [
    "Stroke can occur in children as young as newborns and teenagers.",
    "Symptoms in children often mimic other childhood illnesses, leading to misdiagnosis.",
    "Immediate medical attention is crucial for proper stroke treatment and child's prognosis."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}