Although much less common, stroke can affect children as well. International data suggests incidence for childhood stroke is around 2 per 100,000 children per year.

There is currently no national guideline for childhood stroke in Australia. However, guidelines for the assessment and management of childhood stroke have been developed and published in the UK and USA. These guidelines, listed below, provide a summary of evidence in this population. By listing these guidelines the National Stroke Foundation does not endorse the guidelines. They are simply provided as a resource on this topic. Other resources related to this topic are also provided below.

International Guidelines

Roach ES, Golomb MR, Adams R, Biller J, Daniels S, Deveber G, et al. Management of stroke in infants and children: a scientific statement from a Special Writing Group of the American Heart Association Stroke Council and the Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young. Stroke. 2008 Sep;39(9):2644-91.

Monagle P, Chalmers E, Chan A, deVeber G, Kirkham F, Massicotte P, and Michelson AD. Antithrombotic Therapy in Neonates and Children: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition). Chest 2008;133(6);887-968.

Royal College of Physicians Paediatric Stroke Working Group. Stroke in Childhood. Clinical guidelines for diagnosis, management and rehabilitation. Royal College of Physicians London: 2004. Available at: http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/pubs/books/childstroke/

Other resources

Mackay MT, Gordon A. Stroke in children. Aust Fam Physician. 2007 Nov;36(11):896-902.

Download the Fact sheet Childhood stroke