Psychosocial outcome and quality of life following childhood stroke - A systematic review

Objectives: The aim of this paper was to critically review the recent literature on psychosocial and behavioral outcome following childhood stroke, to assess whether quality of life is affected and to investigate the factors related to psychosocial outcome. Methods: Literature searches were conducted and identified 36 relevant papers from the period 1908-2016. Results: The systematic review found that many children experience difficulties in a wide range of psychosocial domains. Quality of life can also be significantly reduced. Inconsistent findings regarding the correlates of outcome are likely due to methodological limitations. These issues include small and heterogeneous samples, lack of control groups, and measurement difficulties. Conclusions: This systematic review strongly indicates that childhood stroke can affect a myriad of psychosocial domains and a child's quality of life. Methodological issues, particularly around heterogeneous samples and measures, limit the conclusions that can be drawn regarding the predictors of outcome.