Ischemic stroke in children: Relationship to unsuspected trauma.

Thirteen cases of ischemic stroke in children were seen and followed up between 1981 and 1990. Brain hemorrhage and strokes due to meningitis, leukemia, or other malignancy were excluded. In four, no cause was found. Three were related to trauma that preceded the stroke by up to 24 h. Two were due to cardiac emboli, which occurred during cardiac catheterization for dilation of stenotic valves, and two occurred spontaneously in association with mitral valve prolapse. One stroke was related to an inapparent neurocutaneous syndrome, and one was related to a hyperlipidemia. Follow-up showed no recurrence. School performance and developmental assessment was normal in 11 of 13 (one had a learning disability and the other had hyperactivity). Mild motor deficits persisted in five, were moderate in two, and were severe in one. The overall prognosis was best in children under 5 years.