The stroke in children it is rare and the symptoms can often be different from those in adults. A new study recently published in the prestigious medical journal Lancet Childhood and Adolescent Health, showed that a thrombectomy operation can also offer children significant chances of recovery and improved quality of life.
Stroke in children: Symptoms that need attention
Stroke in children is rare, but can have serious consequences. Symptoms can be subtle and often different from those of adults, so parental attention is important:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Sudden difficulty speaking
- Difficulty with balance or walking
- Vision problems, such as diplopia or vision loss
- Spasms (rhythmic movements on one or both sides of the body)
What is thrombectomy?
“It is a minimally invasive method in which a clot is mechanically removed from a blood vessel in the brain, restoring blood flow and reducing the effects of stroke. This treatment has been established as a life-saving intervention for adults with severe strokes and is particularly effective when applied within a few hours of the onset of symptoms”, as explained by the professor of the School of Medicine of the University of Athens, Panagiotis Papanagiotou, who took part in the international study.
Main findings of the study
The study included 208 children from 45 centers in 12 countries and looked at cases of children with severe stroke who were treated with thrombectomy or medication. Main results include:
- Better recovery at discharge: Children who underwent thrombectomy did better at discharge than children who received medication alone, even if their symptoms were more severe at first.
- Higher rate for good recovery: 81% of children who underwent thrombectomy regained good functional independence, with little or no difficulty in their daily lives, compared to 63% of children who received medication alone.
- Greater chance of full recovery: More than half of children (51%) who underwent thrombectomy returned to full daily activity without any functional limitation, compared to 42% of children who received medication alone.
The case of the 15-year-old patient
- About a year ago, the case of a 15-year-old girl who suffered a severe stroke and was successfully treated by thrombectomy became public knowledge. Thanks to the thrombectomy, the girl regained her speech and mobility within minutes of the operation and fully returned to a normal life.
- The girl presented with sudden paralysis on the right side and difficulty speaking, and the thrombectomy, performed by the teams of Professor Mr. Papanagiotou and Professor Mrs. Vassilopoulos at the Center for Interventional Treatment of Strokes, which operates in collaboration with the Aigineteio hospitals, Aretaiio and Alexandra, resulted in her immediate recovery.
- Mr Papanagiotou commented: “Although stroke in children is rare, we need to be alert for such cases, as early diagnosis and treatment can really change children’s lives. We have managed several cases of children with severe stroke over the past few years, and each time we see the significant benefits that thrombectomy can provide.”
- This study, the largest of its kind, highlights the importance of thrombectomy as a basic treatment option for children with severe stroke, as long as the operation is performed immediately, within the first hours of the onset of symptoms, offering hope and prospects for full recovery.
Source of RES-EMP
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Panagiotis Papanagiotou
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news, Dr. Papanagiotou! It’s great to have you here to discuss this critical and often overlooked topic: strokes in children.
Dr. Papanagiotou (P): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to shed some light on this subject.
E: To start, could you explain why strokes, particularly in children, are such a critical issue?
P: Absolutely. While strokes are more frequently associated with adults, they can and do occur in children, albeit rarely. The symptoms in children may not be as obvious, which can lead to delays in treatment. This makes parental awareness and recognition of the symptoms paramount.
E: That leads us to the symptoms. What should parents be on the lookout for?
P: Parents should be vigilant for sudden signs of weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, balance issues, vision problems such as double vision or sudden vision loss, and spasms. These symptoms can be quite subtle and easily misinterpreted as something less serious.
E: It sounds like a lot to digest. If a parent suspects their child is having a stroke, how critical is the timing of treatment?
P: Timing is crucial. The sooner a child receives appropriate medical attention, the better the chances of a positive outcome. That’s where treatments like thrombectomy come into play, which can dramatically improve recovery outcomes if administered quickly.
E: Speaking of thrombectomy, can you encapsulate what it is and its significance in treating pediatric strokes?
P: Thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that physically removes a blood clot from the brain, restoring blood flow. This technique has been a game-changer for adults with severe strokes, and our recent study indicates it can also be highly effective for children.
E: Your recent study published in Lancet Childhood and Adolescent Health revealed some encouraging outcomes. Can you summarize the key findings for us?
P: Certainly! Our study included 208 children from 45 centers across 12 countries. We found that children who underwent thrombectomy had significantly better recovery at discharge compared to those who received medication alone, even if their initial symptoms were more severe. Remarkably, about 81% of the children in the thrombectomy group regained good functional independence, versus just 63% in the medication group. More than half experienced a full recovery.
E: Those are impressive numbers! What does this mean for the future treatment of strokes in children?
P: This research opens the door for more widespread use of thrombectomy in pediatric stroke cases. It highlights the importance of early recognition and intervention, which could lead to actionable policies and training for healthcare providers on best practices for treating strokes in children.
E: With strokes being so rare in children, do you think there’s a lack of awareness among both parents and healthcare professionals?
P: Yes, absolutely. The rarity of pediatric strokes can lead to under-recognition. Therefore, initiatives to raise awareness, improve education for both parents and practitioners, and establish protocols for quick diagnosis are vital in ensuring that children receive the best possible care when they need it.
E: This insight is incredibly valuable, Dr. Papanagiotou. Thank you for joining us and sharing your expertise on this crucial topic.
P: Thank you for having me! It’s essential we continue the conversation around pediatric strokes to better protect our children’s health and well-being.
E: Definitely! We hope to hear more about ongoing research in the future.