New guidelines published for spotting signs of a childhood stroke

Extensive new guidelines have been issued to help healthcare experts and parents spot when a child is having a stroke.

The new guidance, which will be used by a range of professionals including therapists, psychologists and ambulance staff, as well as those working in education, will improve sufferers' long-term care, says the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

Although only around 400 children a year in the UK have a stroke, they tend to be left with many physical and mental impairments, explained Dr Vijeya Ganesan, a paediatric neurologist and spokesman for the RCPCH.

She said: "Although much less common than in adults, stroke is a devastating childhood illness, leaving permanent effects on most affected children. Early recognition is important to direct children towards rapid diagnosis and treatment."

She believes the new guidance will also prove useful in cases where a child is showing symptoms that suggest a stroke, but they are in fact suffering another serious neurological disorder.

The new guidelines, created by the RCPCH and the Stroke Association, update 12-year-old advice on the diagnosis of strokes in children and young people.

For the first time, the guidelines set out criteria for "clot-busting" treatments for childhood stroke, which are currently routinely considered for adults.

They also include details of what tests should be performed by clinicians, how to diagnose and treat strokes and what can be done to prevent recurrences.

The guidelines cover the entire rehabilitation pathway, from the initial period in hospital, through to going back home and to school and important periods of childhood transition.

Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said: "Whatever age you are, when stroke strikes, quick diagnosis is vital. We are pleased this latest guideline clearly states a scan should be carried out within one hour of arrival at hospital for every child with a suspected stroke."