Preparing for a "pediatric Stroke Alert"

Background Childhood arterial ischemic stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Hyperacute treatment strategies remain controversial and challenging, especially in the setting of increasingly proven medical and endovascular options in adults. Although national and international pediatric guidelines have given initial direction about acute therapy and management, pediatric centers have traditionally lacked the infrastructure to triage, diagnose, and treat childhood arterial ischemic stroke quickly. Methods In the past 10 years, researchers in the International Pediatric Stroke Study and Thrombolysis in Pediatric Stroke study have initiated early strategies for establishing pediatric specific stroke alerts. Results We review the rationale, process and components necessary for establishing a pediatric stroke alert. Conclusion Development of pediatric stroke protocols and pathways, with evidence-based acute management strategies and supportive care where possible, facilitates the evaluation, management, and treatment of an acute pediatric stroke.