May 7, 2026, 12:12 p.m.
Pediatric strokes, while rare, do occur, affecting one in every 1,100 newborns and an additional 2,000 older children each year. Knowing the warning signs can save a life.
Kristin Guilliams, MD, WashU Medicine pediatric neurologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, describes stroke symptoms in a child and how to respond.
- Stroke is a brain emergency and requires quick action for therapies to get rid of a clot in the brain.
- Stroke symptoms in children are similar to those in adults and are identified by F.A.S.T.
F=Facial Droop
A=Arm weakness, particularly on one side
S=Speech and comprehension difficulty
T=Time to call 911
In case of a medical emergency with a child, determine where the nearest accredited, Level I pediatric trauma center is located. Find the St. Louis Children’s Hospital pediatric Emergency Department location nearest you.
