Study Reveals Heightened Mental Health Risks for Child Stroke Survivors

Children who survive strokes may face a higher risk of developing mental health challenges than their peers, according to a new study to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025. The research reveals that depression, anxiety, and related physical symptoms are notably more prevalent among young stroke survivors, particularly around age nine.

The study, conducted at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, analyzed 161 school-age children who experienced ischemic strokes between 2002 and 2020. The findings showed that 13% of survivors developed depression, 13.7% experienced anxiety, and 17.4% displayed somatization symptoms - physical manifestations of psychological distress such as headaches and stomach aches.

These results carry significant implications for pediatric healthcare. Dr. Nomazulu Dlamini, director of the Children's Stroke Program at the Hospital for Sick Children, emphasized that psychological symptoms in children are often underrecognized, highlighting the need for early intervention strategies.

The research is particularly significant as it identifies a specific window of vulnerability, with the median age for mental health challenges occurring between 8.5 and 9.6 years old. This insight could help healthcare providers establish more targeted screening protocols and intervention strategies.

The findings suggest a pressing need for healthcare professionals to implement routine mental health screenings for stroke survivors older than two years of age. This comprehensive approach to post-stroke care could significantly improve long-term outcomes for young survivors, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of recovery.