Stroke is often associated with older adults, particularly those living with high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol. However, medical experts are reminding Malaysian parents that this life-threatening condition can also affect children, including newborns, toddlers and teenagers.
According to the Paediatric Protocols for Malaysian Hospitals, developed by the Ministry of Health and the Malaysian Paediatric Association, childhood stroke affects an estimated 2.5 to 13 children per 100,000 annually. Although relatively uncommon compared with adult stroke, the condition presents significant challenges because its symptoms can easily be mistaken for other childhood illnesses.
Dr Tan Jen Ern, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Neurologist at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), explained that childhood stroke can occur at any age, making awareness and early medical intervention particularly important.
While comprehensive national statistics remain limited, Dr Tan encounters approximately one to two paediatric stroke cases annually in clinical practice.
“Paediatric stroke is rare, but rarity does not mean it cannot happen,” said Dr Tan, emphasising the importance of recognising sudden neurological changes and seeking emergency medical attention.
Unlike adults, young children may struggle to communicate symptoms such as weakness, dizziness or difficulty speaking. This makes recognising a potential stroke particularly challenging for parents and caregivers.
Older children and teenagers may experience familiar warning signs, including facial drooping, weakness on one side of the body and speech difficulties. However, babies and toddlers may display less obvious symptoms, such as unexplained seizures or feeding difficulties.
Dr Tan advised parents to record the time their child was last known to be well and immediately seek emergency assistance if stroke-like symptoms appear. Prompt medical assessment is essential because treatment options may depend on how quickly the condition is identified.
The causes of childhood stroke also differ significantly from those affecting adults. Rather than lifestyle-related conditions, paediatric stroke may be associated with congenital heart disease, abnormalities in the brain’s blood vessels, blood disorders, infections, inflammation, trauma or genetic and metabolic conditions.
Dr Tan noted that abnormalities involving blood vessels in the brain are among the most common underlying causes observed in his clinical practice.
Diagnosing childhood stroke typically requires comprehensive investigations, including blood tests, heart examinations and specialised brain imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).
Treatment depends on the child’s condition and underlying cause. Medical teams initially focus on stabilisation, seizure management and preventing complications. Selected patients may also be considered for specialised procedures to remove blood clots from blocked arteries.
Long-term monitoring remains essential because Malaysia’s paediatric protocols indicate that approximately 12% to 20% of childhood arterial ischaemic strokes may recur.
Beyond the immediate medical emergency, childhood stroke can have lasting consequences for learning, communication, emotional development and social participation.
A Malaysian study published in 2025, involving 76 children monitored for at least two years following a stroke, found that approximately three-quarters achieved favourable neurological recovery. Nevertheless, their overall quality of life remained lower than that of healthy Malaysian children, particularly among those experiencing learning difficulties.
Dr Tan explained that some children may appear to recover physically but continue facing challenges involving memory, attention, communication and emotional regulation. In certain cases, these difficulties only become noticeable when children begin school.
Rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychological assessment and educational support, therefore play an important role in helping young stroke survivors regain independence and achieve their developmental potential.
To strengthen public understanding of neurological health, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity will organise its neuroscience public event, “Brain for Life: The Ultimate Mind & Motion Experience”, from 30 October to 1 November 2026.
The event will take place daily from 10am to 10pm at the Main Atrium, Ground Floor, Sunway Velocity Mall.
Visitors can participate in the SunMed Kids’ Club FAST Heroes Campaign by the Angels Initiative, interactive educational activities, discussions on memory loss and early Alzheimer’s disease, complimentary consultations with neuroscience specialists and selected health assessments.
Another highlight is Malaysia’s first educational Stroke Mirror, which uses simulated stroke-related symptoms to help visitors recognise warning signs. The experience is designed for educational purposes and does not serve as a diagnostic tool.
Dr Tan stressed that the most important misconception parents must overcome is the belief that strokes only affect adults.
“If your child suddenly develops weakness on one side, an uneven face, difficulty speaking or an unexplained seizure, seek medical attention immediately,” he advised.
For further information about the event or Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, visit www.sunwaymedicalvelocity.com.my, call +603 9772 9191 or email smcv-enquiry@sunway.com.my.
