KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 — Stroke can happen at any age, including newborns and teenagers, and delays in recognising the symptoms can lead to lasting neurological and developmental complications.

Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Neurologist at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) Dr Tan Jen Ern said childhood stroke, although uncommon, could easily be overlooked because its symptoms often resemble other childhood illnesses.

“Paediatric stroke is rare, but rarity does not mean it cannot happen. The important message is to recognise sudden neurological changes and seek emergency assessment promptly,” he said in a statement today.

The Paediatric Protocols for Malaysian Hospitals, developed by the Health Ministry and the Malaysian Paediatric Association, estimate that childhood stroke affects between 2.5 and 13 cases per 100,000 children annually.