Stroke in children: Genetic and metabolic issues

The study of genetic and metabolic etiologies of pediatric stroke, both vas cular and metabolic, allows an understanding of the causes of acute focal n eurologic deficits in childhood. Here, the mendelian and mitochondrial gene tic causes of pediatric stroke syndromes are reviewed. This approach elucid ates the etiology of childhood stroke and illustrates many of the genetic r isk factors that are found in adult-onset cerebrovascular disease. Therefor e, the study of childhood stroke serves as a model to elucidate the potenti al risk factors for all stroke. Ultimately this will, serve to develop a mo re rational preventive and therapeutic approach for all cerebrovascular dis ease.