Stroke syndromes in childhood.

Strokes are uncommon in children but devastating when they occur. The basic principles needed for understanding these syndromes are the same as those that pertain to adults; however, the etiologic factors are quite different. As diagnostic techniques improve, fewer diagnoses of childhood stroke remain in the category of acute infantile hemiplegia. This trend is most important, because specific therapy, when available, of underlying conditions can prevent recurrent strokes.