What causes stroke in children?
More than 100 potential risk factors have been suggested for stroke in children. More research is required to know which things are most likely to cause a child to have a stroke. The causes of stroke are different for children than they are for adults. Heart disease is the most common cause of stroke in children. Other common risks include infection, blood vessel problems and blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia. Your child’s doctor will try to explain the specific cause of your child’s stroke. A definite risk factor may not be found in about one third of children. SS: Can my child have another stroke? The risk of another stroke occurring ranges from 6-30 percent. Most occur within 6 months after the first stroke. Children that have risk factors such as a heart or blood vessel defect, sickle cell disease or a blood clotting abnormality are at the highest risk for recurrence. Studies are being done to see if medical treatments such as aspirin can reduce the risk of recurrence. SS:
