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Stroke in children is rarely due to traditional stroke risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes. Rather, stroke in this patient group typically results from the simultaneous occurrence of multiple stroke risk factors, the presence of which necessitates a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of this disorder. Several challenges exist in the care of children with stroke. Of note, recognition of pediatric stroke onset by parents and caregivers is often delayed, highlighting the need for increased awareness of and education regarding this condition. Moreover, various neurological conditions resemble stroke in pediatric patients and a definite diagnosis of this disorder requires MRI; adding to the diagnostic challenge, young children may need to be sedated to undergo acute MRI. Perhaps the most significant challenge is the need for clinical research studies focusing on pediatric stroke treatment, so as to allow evidence-based treatment decision-making. A final challenge is the standardization of outcome assessment after stroke for a wide range of ages and developmental levels. In this Review, we examine recent findings and diagnostic issues pertaining to both arterial ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of stroke in populations is incompletely explained by traditional vascular risk factors. Data from several case-control studies and one large study using case series methodology indicate that recent infection is a temporarily acting, independent trigger factor for ischemic stroke. Both bacterial and viral infections, particularly respiratory tract infections, contribute to this association. A causal role for infection in stroke is supported by a graded temporal relationship between these conditions, and by multiple pathophysiological pathways linking infection and inflammation, thrombosis, and stroke. Furthermore, observational studies suggest that influenza vaccination confers a preventive effect against stroke. Case-control and prospective studies indicate that chronic infections, such as periodontitis, chronic bronchitis and infection with Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumoniae or Cytomegalovirus, might increase stroke risk, although considerable variation exists in the results of these studies, and methodological issues regarding serological results remain unresolved. Increasing evidence indicates that the aggregate burden of chronic and/or past infections rather than any one single infectious disease is associated with the risk of stroke. Furthermore, genetic predispositions relating to infection susceptibility and the strength of the inflammatory response seem to co-determine this risk. Here, we summarize and analyze the evidence for common acute and chronic infectious diseases as stroke risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study which shows that white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in Alzheimer disease (AD) are often linked to cerebrovascular risk factors such as diabetes and atherosclerosis. The study involves 203 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with a Hachinski Ischaemic Score <4, wherein each of them was examined at baseline through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Result shows that the association were alike in individuals who did not convert AD and who developed AD.

The article discusses study on the risk of stroke after the discontinuation of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) therapy. It references a study by L. A. García Rodr&iacuteguez et al published in an issue of "Neurology." The source population used in the study was derived from primary care database in Great Britain and comprised of 40,000 individuals aged 50-84 years receiving their ASA for the prevention of cerebrovascular or cardiovascular events. It found a 40% higher risk of stroke in patients who had discontinued low-dose ASA therapy.

The article presents a study of migraine experience with transient focal neurological symptoms called as aura. The study links migraine with aura with an increased risk of ischemic stroke and even cardiovascular disease (CVD). Meta-analysis was used in sorting 25 studies which met the inclusion criteria and was analyzed based on sex, age, use of oral contraceptives and smoking. It was found out that the risk of ischemic stroke in people with migraine is high in young women. True risk of stroke in migraine could be higher than what was reported.

The article offers information on a study conducted by Femke van't Hof and colleagues that is published in the periodical "Neurology" about the role of genetics in the risk to the development of intracranial aneurysm (IA) in the middle arterial region of the brain. Topics covered include the assessment of genetic risk factors in a sample of patients from Finland and Netherlands, association of single nucleotide polymorphism with risk to IA and calculation of the genetic risk score.

The article discusses research on the impact of mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) on the risk of ischemic stroke. It references the study "Mitochondrial DNA Haplotypes and Risk of Transient Ischaemic Attack and Ischaemic Stroke: A Genetic Association Study," by P. F. Chinnery et al. in a 2010 issue of "The Lancet Neurology." Results indicate that people with the mitochondrial DNA subhaplogroup K tend to exhibit a lower risk of experiencing stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

The article presents a study conducted by Mitchell Elkind and colleagues from Columbia University, New York which examined the association between infectious disease burden and an increased risk of stroke. Baseline data, hospitalizations, presence of stroke and myocardial infarction symptoms including markers of inflammation are measured during the length of the study. It was found out that chronic infections with Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori and herpes viruses increase the risk of stroke.

The article discusses research on the role of self-perceived psychological stress with a duration of 1 year or more in escalating the risk of ischemic stroke. It references the study "Self-perceived Psychological Stress and Ischemic Stroke: A Case-Control Study," Katarina Jood et al. published in an issue of "BMC Medicine." Also stated is a finding which revealed the absence of a significant relationship between the risk of cardioembolic stroke and stress.

The article discusses a study on the risk of stroke in patients with a history of transient ischemic attack (TIA). It references the study "Population-Based Study of Risk and Predictors of Stroke in the First Few Hours After a TIA," by Arvind Chandratheva and colleagues in a 2009 issue of "Neurology." Results of the study show that 5% of such patients have experienced a serious stroke within 24 hours (h) following TIA. Researcher Peter Rothwell emphasizes the need for an immediate treatment of TIA to lessen the risk of stroke.

The article discusses a study which associates migraine during pregnancy with an increased risk of stroke conducted by Cheryl Bushnell and colleagues, published in a 2009 issue of "British Medical Journal" (BMJ). According to Bushnell, findings of the multiple regression model show that stroke, heart disease and vascular risk factors were all associated with migraine codes in the U.S. Bushnell adds that the study recommends clinicians to ensure good prenatal care for women who experienced migraines.