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What is a stroke?
A stroke could be called a "brain attack ". A stroke occurs when the the blood supply to part of the brain is cut-off or interrupted. The brain needs blood to provide it with oxygen and nutrients. If the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted for any reason this can damage that part of the brain. This damaged area may no longer be able to function properly. How a person is affected by a stroke depends on which part of the brain is damaged. Any of the brain's important functions by be affected. For example, a person affected by stroke may no longer be able to properly control their limb movements or their speech be be impaired.
Can children have strokes?
The majority of strokes occur in people over the age of 65 years old. However, younger people, including children, can also be affected by stroke. It is not exactly known how many children are affected by stroke but it is likely that at least one child every day is affected by a new stroke in the UK.
What causes stroke in children?
The causes of stroke in children are quite different than those that usually cause stroke in adults although it is not fully understood why children get strokes. Many strokes in children are associated with infections. Many children with stroke have an underlying problem such as sickle cell anaemia or a problem with their heart that makes them more likely to have a stroke.
Are there any treatments?
There are a range of different ways that stroke is treated in children and will often depend on the cause of the stroke. Rehabilitation is likely to be an important aspect of the treatment of children. Consideration also needs to be given to treatments aimed at reducing the chances of having a further stroke after a child has already had a stroke (again this will very much depend on the cause of the stroke).
How well do children recover?
Although children seem to recover differently than adults with strokes there is only very limited information available about the ways in which stroke affects children and how they subsequently recover.
What is SOCS?
SOCS (Study of Outcome of Childhood Stroke) is a research study that aims to provide more information to answer some of the questions above. In particular SOCS aims to find out what impact stroke has on the health and functioning of children. It will also try to accurately establish how many children are affected by stroke and to find out what is the risk of a further stroke following a first stroke. SOCS is funded by a grant from the Stroke Association and is being co-ordinated at the Institute of Child Life and Health, University of Bristol.
Taking Part in SOCS
Your doctor may have already spoken to you about this study. If not we would welcome your consideration of participation in this study.
We offer participation for children aged 1 month - under 16 years old who have had a stroke after the start date of the study. To take part you have to live within the area of England covered by the study (see map). Please feel free to read the participant information sheets below. If you are considering participating or just want more information please contact us via this website, by e-mail, post, or phone. Please note - this study started on 1st July 2008.
Participant Information Sheets
Participant Information Sheet (for adults)
Participant Information Sheet (for age 11- 15 years)
Participant Information Sheet (for age 6 - 10 years)
Please note these files require Adobe Reader® to view. Click here to download .
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Public Information 
