When most people think of strokes, they picture elderly patients. Yet strokes can also affect children, and when they do, the impact can be devastating.

One family discovered this in the most frightening way when their six-year-old collapsed just minutes after waking up. His parents noticed weakness on one side of his body before he fell. They acted immediately, rushing him to the hospital, where doctors were able to save his life.

Childhood Strokes: Rare but Real

While uncommon, strokes in children are not unheard of. Thousands of young patients around the world suffer them each year. The challenge is that symptoms are often overlooked. Doctors warn that awareness is critical, since many pediatric cases are misdiagnosed or treated too late.

Four Key Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For

Experts stress that there are four main signs every parent should know: