Childhood and teenage stroke.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this manuscript is to review the various etiologies and to discuss the therapeutic issues in childhood stroke.


METHODS
A PubMed search of literature pertaining to childhood stroke was conducted from 1983 to 2008 using specific key search words pertinent to cerebrovascular disorders in childhood.


RESULTS
The analysis of the multiple causes of childhood stroke including arterial ischemic strokes and cerebral venous thrombosis was presented. Current therapy and outcome data in childhood stroke are also discussed throughout the length of the article.


CONCLUSIONS
With increasing vigilance among physicians and improved neuroimaging modalities, the diagnosis of childhood stroke is now made earlier, with increasing frequency and greater accuracy. However, larger and well-controlled studies regarding the optimal management of childhood stroke in terms of the use of both antithrombotic drugs and anticoagulation are still needed in addition to longitudinal follow-up studies of children with stroke.
Riel-Romero
Rosario Maria S
RM
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine in Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA. rrielr@lsuhsc.edu
Kalra
Arun A
AA
Gonzalez-Toledo
Eduardo
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D002539:Cerebral Arterial Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D011516:Prothrombin / Q000235:genetics; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D020293:Vasculitis, Central Nervous System / Q000150:complications; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
D011516:Prothrombin