Diagnosis and treatment of ischemic pediatric stroke.

Tremendous progress has been made in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pediatric stroke. With a complete investigation, stroke etiology can be determined in most children, and multiple factors are commonly identified. Stroke can be prevented in some children and treated in others. Children at risk for recurrent strokes can be treated effectively. The prognosis after pediatric stroke is usually good, but today we can identify and initiate treatment in selected patients at risk for long-term problems. This article reviews recent advances in the identification, prevention, treatment, and outcome in pediatric ischemic stroke.