Childhood Stroke in Grand Rapids, Michigan

A stroke happens when blood can’t get to part of the brain. Without a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die within minutes. While stroke is more common in adults, it can occur in newborns, babies, children, and teens.

In the United States, an estimated 300–500 babies and children have a stroke each year. In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, pediatric stroke is rare but serious, and fast emergency care at hospitals like Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health) can make a major difference in outcomes.

Types of Childhood Stroke

Doctors divide pediatric stroke into two main age-related groups:

  • Perinatal stroke – occurs before birth or shortly after birth, from about 28 weeks of pregnancy up to 1 month of age.
  • Childhood stroke – occurs in children from 1 month to 18 years old.

There are three main medical types of stroke:

1. Ischemic Stroke (Arterial Ischaemic Stroke – AIS)

  • Caused by a blocked artery in the brain.
  • A blood clot or narrowed vessel stops blood flow, leading to brain injury.
  • This is the most common type of stroke in children.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke

  • Caused by bleeding in the brain when a blood vessel breaks or bursts.
  • The leaked blood can damage brain tissue and increase pressure inside the skull.

3. Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis (CSVT)

  • Caused by a blood clot in a vein (rather than an artery) that drains blood from the brain.
  • This can lead to swelling, increased pressure, and brain injury.

Signs of Stroke in Babies, Children, and Teens

Stroke signs can look different depending on a child’s age. In Michigan, some symptoms (like fatigue, headaches, or dizziness) can be mistaken for seasonal illnesses, especially during cold and flu season. It’s important to know the specific warning signs of stroke.

Stroke Signs in Babies (Perinatal and Infants)

In newborns and very young babies, stroke can be hard to recognize while it is happening. Often, parents and doctors notice signs over time, such as:

  • A clear preference for using one hand or one side of the body much earlier than expected
  • Weakness or stiffness on one side of the body
  • Trouble feeding or sucking
  • Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
  • Seizures (jerking movements, staring spells) that do not go away

If you notice any of these signs, contact your pediatrician in Grand Rapids or seek emergency care.

Stroke Signs in Toddlers, Children, and Teenagers

Call 911 immediately if your child suddenly has:

  • Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding others
  • Trouble reading or writing that starts suddenly
  • Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or poor coordination
  • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes, or vision loss
  • Severe or unusual headache, especially with vomiting or confusion
  • Difficulty swallowing, drooling, or choking
  • Seizures with weakness that does not improve
  • Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness
  • Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or ability to concentrate

Even if symptoms last only a few minutes and then go away, call 911. Do not drive your child yourself if you suspect a stroke—EMS can begin treatment on the way and take your child to the most appropriate hospital in the Grand Rapids area.

Common Causes of Childhood Stroke

Many parents in Grand Rapids worry they somehow caused their child’s stroke. This is almost never the case. Childhood stroke usually results from medical conditions that affect blood flow, clotting, or blood vessels.

Perinatal Stroke (Before or Shortly After Birth)

Possible contributors include:

  • Complications during pregnancy or birth
  • Problems with the placenta or blood flow to the baby
  • Difficult or traumatic delivery
  • Low oxygen levels around the time of birth
  • Certain infections in the mother or baby

Medical Conditions That Increase Stroke Risk

Several health conditions can raise a child’s risk of stroke:

  • Heart problems

    • Congenital (present at birth) heart defects
    • Heart surgery or procedures
    • Irregular heart rhythms

  • Blood clotting disorders

    • Conditions that make blood clot too easily (thrombophilia)
    • Sickle cell disease and other blood disorders

  • Blood vessel (vascular) problems in the brain

    • Vasculitis – inflammation that can narrow or weaken blood vessels
    • Focal Cerebral Arteriopathy (FCA) – narrowing of specific brain arteries
    • Moyamoya disease – progressive narrowing and blockage of brain arteries
    • Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) – tangled, abnormal blood vessels that can burst
    • Cavernous malformation – clusters of abnormal vessels that can leak or bleed
    • Aneurysm – a bulge in a blood vessel that can rupture

  • Head or neck trauma

    • Injury from accidents, sports, or falls can damage blood vessels, cause clots, or lead to bleeding.

  • Infections and systemic illnesses

    • Severe infections, dehydration, or inflammatory conditions can sometimes contribute to stroke risk.

If your child has any of these conditions, their care team in Grand Rapids may discuss stroke warning signs with you and create a plan for monitoring and emergency care.

How Stroke Can Affect Children

Every child’s brain and body are different, so stroke effects can vary widely. The impact depends on:

  • Which part of the brain was injured
  • How severe the stroke was
  • How quickly treatment was started

Stroke can affect:

  • Movement and coordination
    • Walking, running, balance
    • Use of arms, hands, and fingers
  • Speech and communication
    • Speaking clearly
    • Understanding language
    • Reading and writing
  • Thinking and learning
    • Memory and attention
    • Problem-solving and judgment
  • Personality and emotions
    • Mood, behavior, and self-control
    • Anxiety, depression, or frustration
  • Senses
    • Vision, touch, taste, and smell
  • Energy levels and comfort
    • Fatigue (tiredness)
    • Pain or headaches
    • Recurrent seizures (epilepsy)

Some effects may be mild; others may be more serious. As your child grows and faces new challenges at school and in daily life, the impact of the stroke may become more noticeable. At the same time, children’s brains are highly adaptable, and many abilities can improve over time with the right support.

Tests and Treatment for Childhood Stroke in Grand Rapids

Children with suspected stroke should be taken to the nearest emergency department that can provide pediatric stroke care, such as:

  • Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital (downtown Grand Rapids)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health)
  • Mercy Health–affiliated facilities in the region

Diagnostic Tests

To confirm a stroke and find the cause, doctors may order:

  • Brain imaging
    • CT scan or MRI to look for bleeding or blocked vessels
    • MRA or CTA to examine arteries and veins
  • Heart tests
    • Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)
    • Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
  • Blood tests
    • Clotting tests
    • Tests for infections, inflammation, or blood disorders
  • Other specialized tests depending on your child’s symptoms

Treatment for Ischemic Stroke

For strokes caused by a blocked artery (arterial ischemic stroke), treatment focuses on restoring blood flow and preventing further damage:

  • Medications to dissolve or prevent blood clots (in carefully selected cases)
  • Treatments to manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and other vital signs
  • Surgery in some cases to relieve pressure from brain swelling

Your child’s neurologist and stroke team will discuss which treatments are safe and appropriate based on age, timing, and overall health.

Treatment for Hemorrhagic Stroke

For strokes caused by bleeding in the brain, treatment aims to stop the bleed and reduce pressure:

  • Surgery may be needed to:
    • Repair a damaged artery and stop bleeding
    • Remove pooled blood and relieve pressure
    • Seal or remove an aneurysm or AVM
  • Careful control of blood pressure and other medical factors

Rehabilitation and Recovery in Grand Rapids

After the emergency phase, children need ongoing therapy to support healing and development. In West Michigan, pediatric rehabilitation services are available through:

  • Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital rehabilitation programs
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids rehab services
  • University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health)
  • Local outpatient therapy clinics and community providers in and around Grand Rapids

Early Intervention (Babies and Very Young Children)

For infants and toddlers, early intervention services can start as soon as a stroke is diagnosed. These may include:

  • Physical therapy (physiotherapy)
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech and language therapy
  • Developmental therapy

Families in Kent County can connect with early childhood services through the Kent County Intermediate School District (Kent ISD) and local early intervention programs.

Rehabilitation for Older Children and Teens

As children grow, rehabilitation continues and may include:

  • Physical therapy – strength, balance, walking, coordination
  • Occupational therapy – daily skills (dressing, eating, writing, using technology)
  • Speech-language therapy – speech, language, reading, and communication
  • Neuropsychology and psychology – learning, behavior, emotions, and coping skills

Therapy plans are tailored to each child and may change over time. Michigan’s changing seasons—icy sidewalks in winter, outdoor sports in summer—may also shape therapy goals, such as safe walking on slippery surfaces or returning to sports.

School, Childcare, and Everyday Life in Grand Rapids

Returning to childcare, preschool, or school after a stroke is a big step. Your child’s therapy and medical teams can work with:

  • Grand Rapids Public Schools and other local school districts
  • Private schools, preschools, and childcare centers
  • School nurses, counselors, and special education staff

Support may include:

  • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans
  • Extra help with schoolwork or reduced school hours
  • Assistive devices (e.g., specialized seating, writing aids, communication tools)
  • Safety plans for seizures or medical needs

A neuropsychology assessment can help identify your child’s learning, social, and emotional needs so schools can provide appropriate support.

Emotional Support for Families

Childhood stroke affects the entire family. Parents and caregivers in Grand Rapids may experience stress, worry, or grief. Children may struggle with changes in abilities, friendships, or independence.

Helpful local and national resources include:

  • Your child’s pediatric neurologist or primary care provider in Grand Rapids
  • Hospital-based social workers and family support programs
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources for children with special healthcare needs
  • National childhood stroke and rare disease support organizations and online communities

Ask your care team for referrals to counseling, support groups, and community resources.

When to Call 911

Call 911 immediately if:

  • You see any sudden signs of stroke in your baby, child, or teen
  • Your child has a seizure followed by weakness that does not improve
  • Your child suddenly collapses, loses consciousness, or has severe headache with vomiting or confusion

Even if you’re not sure, or symptoms go away, do not wait. Fast treatment at a Grand Rapids hospital can reduce brain injury and improve recovery.

Key Points About Childhood Stroke in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Stroke can occur in babies, children, and teenagers, though it is rare.
  • There are three main types of childhood stroke:
    • Ischemic stroke (blocked artery)
    • Hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain)
    • Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (blood clot in a vein)
  • Stroke signs include sudden weakness on one side, trouble speaking, vision changes, severe headache, seizures, or collapse.
  • Parents do not cause their child’s stroke; it usually results from underlying medical conditions.
  • Fast care at Grand Rapids hospitals such as Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health can save brain function.
  • Ongoing rehabilitation and school support help children recover and thrive over time.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and have concerns about your child’s risk for stroke or recovery after a stroke, talk with your pediatrician, family doctor, or pediatric neurologist. They can guide you to local specialists, therapy services, and community resources tailored to your child’s needs.