Ischemic Stroke of the Spinal Cord: A Pediatric Emergency in an Otherwise Healthy Child

Background Spinal cord infarctions in children are rare, with few cases reported in the literature. Recognition is challenging, as children's clinical presentations and underlying pathological processes differ from those of adults. Most reported cases are in children with predisposing medical conditions, but spinal cord strokes can occur in otherwise healthy individuals. Case Report A 10-year-old boy with no significant medical history presented with progressive left-sided weakness and neck pain. He was diagnosed with ischemic infarction of his inferior medulla and cervical spinal cord. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Ischemic stroke of the spinal cord should be considered in children with clinical weakness, even in the absence of risk factors.