healthydailymail.com Among adults, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and atherosclerosis - hardening of the arteries - are some of the most common risk factors for stroke. These factors rarely cause stroke in children, however.
According to the American Stroke Association, around half of all pediatric strokes are triggered by an underlying condition, most commonly sickle cell disease - an inherited blood disorder - and congenital heart disease.
Other underlying conditions that may raise a child's stroke risk include head and neck infections, abnormal blood clotting, head trauma and systemic conditions, such as autoimmune disorders.
Maternal history of infertility, premature rupture of membranes during pregnancy, maternal preeclampsia and chorioamnionitis - inflammation of the fetal membranes due to a bacterial infection - may also increase a child's stroke risk.
Though cardiovascular-related risk factors for stroke in adults are rare in children, recent studies have indicated an increase in these risk factors among the younger population. This is down to a rise in high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and tobacco and alcohol use among youth.
A 2014 study published in the journal Neurology also suggested colds and other minor infections in childhood may temporarily raise a child's stroke risk.
"We've seen this increase in stroke risk from infection in adults, but until now, an association has not been studied in children," commented study author Dr. Heather Fullerton, director of the University of California-San Francisco Pediatric Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease Center.
"It is possible that inflammatory conditions contribute more to the stroke risk in children, however, further research is needed to explore this possible association."
It is important to note, however, that in around half of all childhood stroke cases, no previous risk factor can be determined.
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