Stroke in children: need for increased awareness.

An 11-year old pediatric patient, who suffered a stroke is presented. She experienced a new-onset, severe, and persistent headache. Despite identification of a subacute ischemic lesion on CT scan, a delay in transfer to specialized care occurred. Laboratory investigations revealed hypercoagulability, which prompted treatment initiation. Stroke in children is a rare but significant cause of death and long-term disability. With increased understanding, improved guidelines, and emerging treatment options for children's stroke, increased awareness about this disease is necessary for prompt identification and treatment in this population.