Stroke

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Treatment

Your child's team of doctors will work together to determine the cause of your child's stroke, and then develop the most effective treatment plan to meet your child's individual needs. Recovery differs for each child, depending on the area of their brain that was affected, as well as the cause of the stroke and whether or not they have any underlying medical conditions.

There are many therapies available to help prevent a recurrent stroke in your child. Medications, such as aspirin, heparin or warfarin, may be used to thin the blood and make it less likely to clot.

In addition, different types of therapy including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy also are available and play an important part in your child's recovery. These therapies typically begin as soon as possible after stroke. Therapy is usually most intense in the early stages following stroke. A therapist may offer ideas for hands-on therapy to your family and child's school, which help your child participate fully in play and other activities. Equipment, such as ankle or hand splints, may be used to help your child move more easily and reduce the risk of permanent joint stiffness.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated October 2, 2008