World Stroke Day 2025: Paediatric strokes are rare but real, here’s how to recognise and react fast

Symptoms of paedriatic stroke: While less common than in adults, strokes can happen in children of any age, even before birth (Image: Pexels)

A stroke is a condition mostly associated with adults. However, it can affect people of all ages, even children and infants. The World Stroke Day is a reminder that recognising symptoms and acting promptly are both important to save lives.

Parents never imagine that a child could have a stroke. Dr Puja Mehta, Consultant – Paediatric Neurology, Narayana Health, SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai, tells Moneycontrol, “When blood flow to the brain Is suddenly interrupted, brain cells start to die within minutes, leading to problems with movement, speech, vision, and thinking.”

She adds, “That delay in recognising the signs can make all the difference between a full recovery and a lasting disability.”

Also read | World Stroke Day 2025: Keep your brain healthy with these small changes in your bedtime habits

Dr Mehta shares tips on how to spot a stroke:

Remember BEFAST: Dr Mehta says the easiest way to remember stroke symptoms is the acronym BEFAST:

• Balance: sudden dizziness, or trouble staying upright
• Eyes: sudden changes in  vision. Blurriness  or loss of sight in one eye
• Face: one side of the face drooping; ask the person to smile to check for unevenness
• Arm: weakness or numbness in one arm or difficulty raising it
• Speech: slurred or confused speech, or trouble repeating simple sentences
• Time: if any of these signs appear, it’s time to act, call emergency services immediately

“During a stroke, every minute counts. Quick medical attention can restore blood flow to the brain and limit damage,” stresses Dr Mehta.

Here’s what parents should know:  While less common than in adults, strokes can happen in children of any age, even before birth. “For parents, spotting it can be difficult because symptoms may seem vague or mimic other illnesses.” Dr Mehta says and shares signs to watch for:

• Weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body
• Trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Blurred or double vision
• Loss of balance or sudden dizziness

In younger children or babies, stroke signs can appear as seizures, extreme sleepiness, poor feeding, or less movement on one side of the body.

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Unlike adult strokes linked to blood pressure, cholesterol, or smoking, children’s strokes often have different roots. “A congenital heart defect, infections like meningitis, or conditions like sickle cell disease can increase the risk,” explains Dr Mehta. In some cases, no clear cause is found at all. Head injuries, dehydration, and complications during pregnancy can also play a part.

Preventing a first stroke in children is often difficult unless the underlying cause is known. Managing conditions such as heart defects or clotting disorders with regular medical follow-up is essential.

Healthy habits also support brain health. A balanced diet, regular outdoor play, good hydration, and adequate sleep all contribute. Dr Mehta adds, “Simple measures like wearing helmets during cycling or skating can prevent head injuries that might lead to stroke.”

Hope for healing: Dr Mehta says that children often recover better than adults. “It’s because their brains are still developing and can adapt more easily.” But early recognition remains key.