Brain Rescue - The Future in Pediatric Stroke

Pediatric stroke is rare—but when it happens, every minute matters.

In this episode of Inside Pediatric Radiology, we explore how pediatric stroke care is evolving.

Drawing on the latest evidence—including the 2026 AHA/ASA guidelines and recent multicenter studies—we discuss what makes pediatric stroke fundamentally different, why diagnosis is often delayed, and how imaging plays a central role in guiding real-time clinical decisions.

We are joined by Dr. Mesha Martinez, a pediatric radiologist, neuroradiologist, and neurointerventionalist whose work spans the full spectrum of stroke care—from diagnosis to endovascular treatment. She shares insights on the growing role of mechanical thrombectomy, evolving use of thrombolytics, and the importance of building systems that support timely recognition and treatment.

As pediatric stroke care becomes more standardized, evidence-informed, and increasingly interventional, pediatric radiologists are playing a critical role in shaping outcomes.

Tune in to learn how this rapidly evolving field is moving from uncertainty to action—and what it means for the future of pediatric imaging and care.

Links to topics discussed in this episode:

2026 Guideline for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Guideline From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

Fullerton HJ, Dowling MM. Advances in Stroke in Children 2025. Stroke. 2025 Aug;56(8):2324-2326

Sun LR, Lynch JK. Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Arterial Ischemic Stroke. Neurotherapeutics. 2023 Apr;20(3):633-654. 

Sporns PB et al. Endovascular thrombectomy for childhood stroke (Save ChildS Pro): an international, multicentre, prospective registry study. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2024 Dec;8(12):882-890. 

Updates to past episodes:

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