WHEN most people picture a stroke, they think of an older adult, often someone living with high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol.

A stroke is rarely if ever associated with a child. Yet, a stroke can happen to young people of any age, from newborns to teenagers.

The Paediatric Protocols for Malaysian Hospitals, developed by the Health Ministry and Malaysian Paediatric Association, cites an estimated childhood stroke incidence of 2.5 to 13 cases per 100,000 children each year.

While uncommon compared with adult stroke, its rarity is part of the challenge, as sudden symptoms can easily be missed or mistaken for a more common childhood illness.