About us

Our Stroke and Vascular program is dedicated to helping children and families navigate the challenges of pediatric stroke and other vascular conditions of the brain and spine. As one of the nation’s top-ranked pediatric neurology and neurosurgery programs, our team brings together specialists from neurology, neurosurgery, and hematology to provide expert, compassionate care tailored to each child’s needs. We provide hope for children from across the region, offering advanced diagnostics, the latest treatments, and access to groundbreaking research studies that are shaping the future of pediatric stroke care. If your child is facing a new diagnosis or ongoing recovery, we’re here to support your family every step of the way.

Heart and vascular services in St. George UT

Why choose us?

  • Our program is ranked #10 in the nation and #1 for clinical outcomes in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025).
  • Our dedicated team cares for more than 12,000 children with neurological and spine conditions annually. With expertise in over 900 complex neurosurgeries each year, we work closely together to provide the best possible care for every family.
  • We’re leading research, like the FOCAS trial, which studies the best treatment for a rare cause of childhood stroke, so your child can benefit from the most advanced and proven care available.
  • We’re here for your family from diagnosis through recovery. You can count on us for personalized education, resources, and support every step of the way.
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Conditions we treat

Children with blood vessel and circulation disorders affecting the brain and spine receive specialized care through our Stroke and Vascular program. We treat pediatric stroke, including both ischemic (caused by blocked blood flow) and hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding) strokes, as well as conditions that increase stroke risk.

  • Cerebral arteriopathies (like focal cerebral arteriopathy)
  • Moyamoya disease
  • Cerebral aneurysms
  • Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
  • Venous sinus thrombosis
  • Blood clotting disorders

Our team also specializes in evaluating and managing children with vascular malformations and other rare or complex blood vessel problems of the brain and spinal cord. Whether your child is facing a sudden emergency or needs ongoing care for a long-term vascular condition, we provide expert, compassionate support.

Stroke and vascular research

Studies like FOCAS, Save ChildS Pro, and IPSS advance pediatric stroke care, improve treatments, and foster global collaboration.

Primary Children’s is a leading enrolling site in the FOcal Cerebral Arteriopathy Steroid (FOCAS) trial. The FOCAS trial is an important, NIH-funded, multicenter study looking for the best way to treat focal cerebral arteriopathy (FCA), one of the most common causes of stroke in otherwise healthy children. FCA is a sudden condition, likely related to inflammation, that can get worse quickly after a stroke and increase the risk of further brain injury.

The FOCAS trial, led locally by Dr. Lisa Pabst, is the only study of its kind focused on emergency care for pediatric stroke. It compares two approaches: starting corticosteroid (steroid) treatment right away when FCA is diagnosed, versus waiting to give steroids only if the disease gets worse. Primary Children’s has already enrolled five patients in the first year, and each child is closely followed for a full year after treatment to see how they do.

The results of this trial could change national guidelines and help shape how doctors treat children with FCA-related strokes in the future. By studying these treatments, the FOCAS trial aims to improve long-term brain health and quality of life for children across the country.

We’re helping lead the way in a groundbreaking international study called Save ChildS Pro for children affected by a stroke. This study is looking at a procedure called endovascular thrombectomy, a special way doctors can remove blood clots from the brain using tiny tools that travel through blood vessels. While this treatment is now common for adults with certain types of strokes, it hasn’t been well-studied in children until now. The early results are very encouraging: children who received this procedure, even those with severe strokes, often recovered better than those who had standard medical care. The research also shows just how important it is to quickly recognize the signs of a stroke and get help fast, which can make a big difference in a child’s recovery and quality of life.
Primary Children’s participates in the International Pediatric Stroke Study (IPSS), a global partnership of hospitals and doctors who care for children who have had a stroke. Because strokes in children are rare, it’s important for hospitals everywhere to share information and work together. Through the IPSS, our team helps collect and study information about what causes strokes in children, how they are treated, and how children recover. By joining forces with experts from around the world, we can learn more about these rare conditions, improve treatments, and set new standards for care. This teamwork means that children at Primary Children’s — and other hospitals — can benefit from the latest research and the best possible care.
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Your Stroke and Vascular care team

We know that caring for kids with stroke and blood vessel problems in the brain or spine takes a special kind of teamwork. Our stroke and vascular team is made up of pediatric neurologists, neurosurgeons, vascular neurosurgeons, hematology specialists, nurses, therapists, and support staff. They all work closely together to give your child the best care possible.

  • Pediatric neurologists help with diagnosing and managing stroke. They are experts in how strokes and blood vessel disorders affect the brain and nervous system.
  • Neurosurgeons and vascular neurosurgeons are skilled in performing both traditional and minimally invasive surgeries to restore blood flow or repair blood vessels when needed.
  • Hematology specialists focus on blood disorders that can increase the risk of stroke. They help manage treatments that keep blood flowing safely.
  • Nurses, therapists, and support staff are with your family every step of the way, providing hands-on care, support, and tools for recovery.

Because we work as a team, your child benefits from many experts working together to create a personalized treatment plan. We’re here not just for medical care, but to support your child and family throughout your journey.