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Infection in childhood increases the likelihood of developing a stroke
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Experts warn that minor childhood infections (colds, flu) can increase the likelihood of a child having a stroke for a short time (on average, three days). However, in this case, a predisposition to a stroke is not excluded. The cause of the disease is an acute inflammatory process in the arteries. The human immune system responds to any infection with inflammation. In addition, the infection promotes the active work of platelets, which increases the risk of blood clots.
At the same time, the researchers note that several infectious processes or an infectious disease in a chronic form did not increase the likelihood of stroke in childhood.
Children who suffer from heart disease, lupus, or hereditary hemoglobin synthesis disorders should be especially careful. But a stroke can also occur in a completely healthy child. The mortality rate from strokes in childhood is approximately 10%. Children have a larger brain mass than adults, so there is less room for swelling after a stroke in a child. A common cause of death from stroke is swelling and increased intracranial pressure.
At the same time, experts note that children who survive a stroke have a higher risk of developing complications in the future. The specialists came to such conclusions after a thorough analysis of information on more than two million children. Among all the children studied, about a hundred children were found to have a blockage of blood flow (ischemic stroke), the data of which were compared with the control group of children. As a result, it was found that children who had suffered a stroke were more often treated for minor infectious diseases. 80% of infections affected the upper respiratory tract.
A stroke attack can be identified by headaches, attacks similar to epileptic seizures, speech impairment, vision impairment, movement coordination, and weakness in one part of the body.
In addition, scientists have found that therapy for growth hormone deficiency in children increases the likelihood of developing a stroke in adulthood.
When there is a lack of growth hormone, drugs that accelerate growth and puberty are often used. Such treatment has its side effects - headaches, joint and muscle pain, fluid retention. Also, the risk of stroke has recently been added to the list of side effects, however, a number of studies are required for 100% confirmation.
The long-term research project involved about seven thousand people born before 1990. From 1985 to 1996, the participants underwent growth hormone therapy. Specialists studied the data of the participants, who kept questionnaires throughout the treatment, as well as records in medical records from 2008 to 2010.
The interval from the start of therapy to the last medical examination was about 17 years, with an average duration of treatment of about 4 years.
As a result, 11 participants had a stroke at a fairly young age (approximately 24 years old), 8 had a hemorrhagic stroke with ruptured arteries in the brain, and 3 had an ischemic stroke. Data from patients in Dijon, Oxford, France, and the UK were also compared, which confirmed the link between hormonal therapy and the risk of stroke.
Experts note that before starting treatment with growth hormone, the specialist must take into account the identified connection and decide on the need for such treatment. When prescribing treatment, the patient must be informed about possible risks, signs of stroke and preventive measures.
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