Treatment

Immediate Treatment

Strokes in children are treated in a variety of ways, depending on many different factors. In the case of ischemic strokes, immediate treatment is likely to consist of anticoagulant medications (blood thinners), such as aspirin, heparin and warfarin.

Long-Term Treatment

Each child is unique and in most cases they will require some form of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech/language therapy. Regular follow-ups by a pediatrician, a neurologist and a physical therapy professional is recommended to monitor progress towards recovery.

Long-Term Outlook

Studies suggest that after a child has one stroke, the risk of having another stroke ranges from 6 to 30 percent. Most strokes will occur within 6 months after the first one. 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.