Impairments occurring in fetuses or newborns due to strokes
Perinatal stroke, also known as neonatal cerebral infarction, is a relatively uncommon but potentially devastating condition that affects newborns and developing babies. This type of stroke occurs during pregnancy or delivery and can have long-lasting effects on a child's development, movement, ability to think, and emotional well-being.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
Factors that increase the risk of perinatal stroke include infections, congenital heart disease, acute blood clotting disorders, and placenta disorders. Maternal risk factors include being pregnant or giving birth for the first time, a history of infertility, oligohydramnios, emergency cesarean section (C-section), vacuum extraction during delivery, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and preeclampsia.
Initially, the symptoms of perinatal stroke may be subtle or absent, and early symptoms may be mild or not obvious at birth. However, as the baby develops, signs such as seizures, lethargy, apnea, poor feeding, and developmental delays may become apparent. In some cases, a developing baby may show signs of weakness or a decrease in movement on one side of the body, favoring the use of one hand before 12 months of age, and delays in development.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis of perinatal stroke is critical but challenging due to nonspecific initial symptoms. Brain imaging scans such as MRI, MRA, and MRV are used for diagnosis. Treatment for perinatal stroke involves treating seizures, dehydration, anemia, and providing oxygen therapy. Doctors typically do not treat neonatal infants with blood thinners unless there is a high risk of recurring stroke.
Physical, occupational, and speech therapies are central to managing motor and developmental impairments. Experimental and emerging treatments include cell-based therapies such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and umbilical cord blood cells, which have shown promise in reducing brain injury, promoting regeneration, and improving outcomes in animal models and early human studies.
Long-term Effects and Support
Most neonatal infants who have a perinatal stroke go on to experience residual neurological effects. Potential long-term effects include cerebral palsy, epilepsy, learning and cognitive difficulties, memory problems, speech and language difficulties, visual impairments, changes in behavior, and weakness on one side of the body.
The likelihood of another stroke is low after an initial perinatal stroke, except in neonatal infants with congenital heart disease. In the months and years after the stroke, speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy may help improve a child's abilities and quality of life.
Several organizations offer support for families and caregivers of children with pediatric stroke. The Child Neurology Foundation offers a free, confidential family support program, while the National Stroke Association and the American Stroke Association provide resources, tools, and support specifically for parents, families, and caregivers of children with pediatric stroke. These resources can provide valuable information, advice, and emotional support during this challenging time.
- Science plays a vital role in understanding the causes of perinatal stroke, a condition affecting newborns and developing babies.
- Maternal risk factors for perinatal stroke include being pregnant or giving birth for the first time.
- Diagnosing perinatal stroke can be challenging due to its subtle initial symptoms and lack of specificity.
- Treatment for perinatal stroke involves addressing seizures, dehydration, anemia, and oxygen therapy.
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapies are crucial for managing the motor and developmental impairments resulting from perinatal stroke.
- Experimental and emerging treatments for perinatal stroke include cell-based therapies such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and umbilical cord blood cells.
- Most neonatal infants who have a perinatal stroke go on to experience residual neurological effects.
- Cerebral palsy, epilepsy, learning and cognitive difficulties, memory problems, speech and language difficulties, visual impairments, changes in behavior, and weakness on one side of the body are potential long-term effects of perinatal stroke.
- The likelihood of another stroke is low after an initial perinatal stroke, except in neonatal infants with congenital heart disease.
- Several organizations offer support for families and caregivers of children with pediatric stroke.
- The Child Neurology Foundation offers a free, confidential family support program for families and caregivers of children with pediatric stroke.
- The National Stroke Association and the American Stroke Association provide resources, tools, and support specifically for parents, families, and caregivers of children with pediatric stroke.
- Health and wellness involve understanding and addressing medical conditions such as perinatal stroke.
- Chronic diseases like perinatal stroke require ongoing care, often managed by caregivers.
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