Stroke is a medical emergency that many people associate with elderly individuals, but a Malaysian paediatric neurologist is urging parents to recognise that children are not immune to the condition.
From newborn babies to teenagers, childhood stroke can occur unexpectedly, sometimes affecting children who appear perfectly healthy.
According to the Paediatric Protocols for Malaysian Hospitals, the estimated incidence of childhood stroke ranges from 2.5 to 13 cases per 100,000 children annually.
Despite its rarity, the condition requires immediate attention because delayed diagnosis can affect treatment opportunities and long-term recovery.
Dr Tan Jen Ern, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Neurologist at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), said childhood stroke remains relatively unfamiliar to many parents and can sometimes be mistaken for more common childhood illnesses.
In his clinical practice, Dr Tan encounters approximately one to two cases annually, although comprehensive national incidence data remain unavailable.
“Paediatric stroke is rare, but rarity does not mean it cannot happen,” he said.
One of the biggest challenges is identifying symptoms, particularly among younger children who may be unable to explain what they are experiencing.
For older children and teenagers, warning signs can resemble those seen in adults, including sudden facial drooping, weakness on one side of the body and difficulty speaking.
However, babies and toddlers may experience less obvious symptoms, including seizures and difficulty feeding.
Dr Tan warned that parents should not wait for symptoms to disappear before seeking medical assistance.
Instead, they should immediately contact emergency services and note the time their child was last known to be well.
Rapid assessment is crucial, as children suspected of having a stroke may require specialised brain imaging and evaluation by medical professionals experienced in treating neurological emergencies.
While adults frequently develop strokes due to lifestyle-related risk factors, childhood strokes are more commonly associated with underlying medical conditions.
These may include heart disease, abnormalities in the brain’s blood vessels, blood disorders, infections, inflammation, trauma and certain genetic or metabolic conditions.
Dr Tan explained that abnormalities affecting the brain’s blood vessels are among the most frequent underlying causes encountered in his practice.
To identify the cause, doctors may conduct blood investigations, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms and specialised brain imaging, including MRI and MRA scans.
Treatment is determined according to the child’s medical condition and the type of stroke involved.
Initial care generally focuses on stabilising the patient, controlling seizures and preventing complications. Depending on the cause, doctors may prescribe medications to reduce clot formation.
In selected cases, specialists may consider endovascular thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure used to remove a blood clot from a blocked artery.
The possibility of another stroke also makes follow-up care important.
Malaysia’s paediatric protocols indicate that approximately 12% to 20% of children who experience arterial ischaemic stroke may suffer a recurrence, particularly those with abnormalities involving the brain’s arteries.
However, the consequences of childhood stroke can extend well beyond the initial emergency.
A Malaysian study published in 2025 involving 76 children found that approximately three-quarters achieved favourable neurological recovery after at least two years of follow-up.
Despite this, some children continued experiencing reduced quality of life, particularly those with learning difficulties.
Dr Tan explained that childhood stroke can affect concentration, memory, communication, emotional regulation and social interaction.
These challenges may become more noticeable as children grow older and encounter increasingly demanding school environments.
Long-term rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, neuropsychological assessments and educational assistance, can help support recovery and development.
In an effort to improve public awareness, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity will host “Brain for Life: The Ultimate Mind & Motion Experience” from 30 October to 1 November 2026.
The three-day event will run from 10am to 10pm at the Main Atrium, Ground Floor, Sunway Velocity Mall.
The programme will feature educational activities for visitors of different ages, including the SunMed Kids’ Club FAST Heroes Campaign by the Angels Initiative, interactive games and discussions focusing on memory loss and early Alzheimer’s disease.
Visitors will also have access to complimentary consultations with SMCV neuroscience specialists, complimentary health assessments and promotions on selected health screening packages.
Another attraction will be Malaysia’s first educational Stroke Mirror, which uses a simulated representation of stroke symptoms to help visitors recognise possible warning signs.
The interactive experience is intended to raise awareness and is not designed to diagnose medical conditions.
Dr Tan hopes the initiative will encourage more parents to recognise stroke symptoms early and understand the importance of seeking emergency medical care.
“If your child suddenly develops weakness on one side, an uneven face, difficulty speaking or an unexplained seizure, seek medical attention immediately,” he advised.
The public can obtain further information by visiting www.sunwaymedicalvelocity.com.my, calling +603 9772 9191 or emailing smcv-enquiry@sunway.com.my.
