Death of a Child and the Risk of Stroke: A Binational Cohort Study from Denmark and Sweden.

The death of a child was associated with a modestly increased risk of stroke. The finding that an association was observed in case of unnatural deaths is suggestive of the explanation that bereavement-related stress may contribute to the development of stroke. Although the death of a child often cannot be avoided, an understanding of its health-related consequences may highlight the need for improved support and attention from family members and health care professionals.