While many associate strokes with older individuals, it’s crucial to recognize that strokes can occur across all age groups, including teenagers, children, newborns, and even unborn babies. Surprisingly, stroke ranks as one of the leading causes of death in children.
A stroke occurs when the flow of blood to a specific part of the brain is disrupted, either due to a clot (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Blood plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen and essential nutrients to the body’s cells and organs. When this blood supply is interrupted for more than three minutes, brain cells start to perish. The process of cell death in the brain continues as long as oxygen is unavailable.
Currently, there is no established treatment to revive brain cells that have already died. However, swift diagnosis, timely intervention, and rehabilitation therapy can be instrumental in saving a child’s life and minimizing the risk of long-term disability.
Dr. Kaustubh Abnave, the leading Doctor For Stroke Treatment In Thane, is dedicated to providing exceptional care.
Types Of Strokes In Children
- Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common childhood stroke, resulting from a blood clot blocking an artery to the brain. It can be caused by injury, artery narrowing, or clots from other parts of the body. Conditions like clotting disorders heighten the risk.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Known as a “mini-stroke,” TIA is a brief blockage of brain blood flow, often caused by blood clots. It’s a medical emergency, serving as a warning sign for a potential future major stroke. Prompt identification is crucial, as over a third of TIA cases lead to a major stroke within a year without intervention.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: Less common in children, hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, leading to blood leakage. This disrupts normal blood flow, and in some cases, can result in clot formation.
Understanding these stroke types is vital for swift diagnosis and intervention in pediatric cases, with ischemic strokes being more prevalent and hemorrhagic strokes, though rare, carrying greater severity. Early recognition is key to improving outcomes in pediatric stroke situations. Dr. Kaustubh Abnave, a Pediatric Neurologist in Thane, plays a crucial role in this process, leveraging expertise to ensure timely and effective diagnosis and intervention for better pediatric stroke outcomes.
Causes Of Strokes In Children
Strokes in infants and children happen for different reasons than in adults.
Ischemic Strokes (Caused By Lack Of Blood Flow) In Kids Can Be Due To
- Lack of oxygen during birth
- Heart defects at birth
- Blood disorders like sickle cell disease
- Brain blood vessel injury
- Clotting disorders
- Dehydration
- Genetic disorders
- Infections like meningitis or chickenpox
- Issues during the mother’s pregnancy, like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure
Hemorrhagic Strokes (Caused By Bleeding In The Brain) Might Be Linked To-
- Head injury causing a broken blood vessel
- Abnormal blood vessel tangle (arteriovenous malformation)
- Aneurysm (weakness in an artery wall)
- Premature birth or low birth weight in infants
Dr. Kaustubh Abnave is one of the highly experienced and skilled Child Stroke Specialist Doctor in Thane, committed to delivering exceptional care. Proficient in neurological interventions, his quick diagnoses and timely treatments have been crucial in saving lives and reducing long-term disability. Count on Dr. Kaustubh Abnave for expert stroke care in Thane.
Symptoms Of Strokes In Children
Symptoms of childhood stroke can resemble those seen in adults, including weakness on one side of the body and communication difficulties. However, there are specific signs more commonly observed in children.
For New-Borns & Infants Experiencing A Stroke, The Following Symptoms Are Typical-
- Seizures: The child may exhibit a fixed gaze, or one of their arms or legs may experience intense shaking.
- Extreme Sleepiness: A pronounced tendency towards drowsiness.
- Unilateral Movement: The child may demonstrate a preference for using only one side of their body.
The Typical Symptoms Of Stroke In Children & Adolescents Comprise:
- Weakness, numbness, or paralysis affecting one side of the body
- Challenges in speaking or comprehending language
- Blurred or double vision
- Dizziness or a loss of balance and coordination
Recognizing a stroke in children, particularly infants, can be challenging due to subtle symptoms and their inability to communicate. Parents may only notice developmental delays months later. It’s crucial for parents to be aware of stroke signs and seek prompt assistance from specialists like Dr. Kaustubh Abnave, a Child Stroke Specialist Doctor in Thane.
Risk Factors Of Strokes In Children
Several risk factors may increase the likelihood of a child experiencing a stroke-
- Family History: A family history of stroke or certain genetic conditions.
- Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders.
- Trauma: Head injuries can sometimes result in damage to blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke.
Dr. Kaustubh Abnave, a renowned Child Neurologist in Thane, specializes in stroke treatment. For parents seeking effective Brain Stroke Treatment in Thane, consult with Dr. Abnave for personalized and comprehensive pediatric stroke care.
What Tests Will My Child Undergo To Confirm A Brain Stroke?
- Computed Tomography (CT): Confirms hemorrhagic stroke and, in some cases, ischemic stroke.
- Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA): Uses contrast material to detect blockages and identify underlying causes.
- Echocardiography (ECHO) and Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG): Helps detect heart-related causes of stroke.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Utilizes magnets, radio waves, and computer technology to visualize the brain and detect stroke presence.
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) and Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV): Uses magnets, radio waves, and contrast material to create images of arteries (MRA) and veins (MRV).
- Cranial Ultrasound: Utilizes high-frequency sound waves to assess artery conditions.
- Blood Tests: Identifies clotting disorders, infection, anemia, and other abnormalities.
If stroke is confirmed, additional tests may be conducted-
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): Assesses seizure activity and related complications in the brain.
- Neurologic Tests: Reveals the impact of the stroke on movement, speech, swallowing, etc.
- Additional Blood Tests and Electrocardiography: Detects underlying medical problems and heart-related issues.
Ensuring timely and precise diagnosis of strokes is imperative for effective treatment. Dr. Kaustubh Abnave, recognized as one of the top Child Stroke Doctors in Thane, stands out as a prominent the leading doctors for stroke treatment in Thane. His expertise and unwavering dedication play a pivotal role in accurately identifying and promptly initiating appropriate interventions for patients facing stroke challenges.
Management & Treatment Of Strokes In Children
The management and treatment of pediatric stroke involve addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms. Treatment may include:
Medications
Immediate treatment is crucial for a child’s stroke survival. In ischemic strokes, medication is used to restore blood flow and prevent clot formation. Hemorrhagic strokes focus on controlling brain bleeding, often requiring emergency surgery. Once stable, the child is kept comfortable, hydrated, and in a quiet environment. Additional therapies address underlying issues, including antibiotics for infections, anti-seizure medication, blood transfusions for sickle cell disease, and treatment for heart-related conditions.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair blood vessels or address underlying conditions.
Rehabilitation
After stabilizing the child, rehabilitation therapy aims to regain lost function, address stroke causes, and prevent future incidents. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy can start in the hospital and extend for weeks, months, or years post-stroke.
Dr. Kaustubh Abnave, a Neuro Developmental Pediatrician in Thane, emphasizes that a child’s developing brain holds a greater potential for recovery from strokes compared to an adult’s. Swift diagnosis and treatment are pivotal in minimizing the risk of enduring issues, and early rehabilitation plays a crucial role in maximizing the child’s recovery prospects.
Long-Term Impact Of Stroke In Children
Children’s long-term outcomes after a stroke vary based on factors such as stroke type, size, and location. Generally, children tend to recover better than adults due to their brains’ ability to reorganize. However, stroke-induced brain damage can lead to persistent challenges, including weakness or paralysis, developmental disabilities, communication difficulties, vision and hearing problems, emotional changes, and cognitive issues.
Approximately 60% of children surviving a stroke experience permanent neurological issues, requiring ongoing therapies such as occupational and physical therapy. Some may also face complex medical conditions like cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or cardiac issues, necessitating lifelong care. Coordinated care involving multiple specialists is crucial to help these children maximize their potential.
Can Strokes Be Prevented?
Preventing Strokes Is Possible In Certain Cases, Particularly When-
- A child has a medical condition that elevates their stroke risk (e.g., sickle cell disease or artery disease).
- A child has previously had a stroke (approximately one in five children with a history of stroke may experience another).
However, in some instances, strokes can occur as an initial indication of an underlying medical problem and may not be preventable.
Your child's Pediatric Neurologist will discuss crucial measures to reduce the risk of stroke, which may involve-
- Addressing underlying medical conditions
- Using anti-thrombotic medications to prevent clot formation
- Screening for diabetes, hypertension, and abnormal blood lipid levels
- Adopting healthy habits like a balanced diet, regular exercise, hydration, and avoiding smoking.
While strokes in children are rare, they can have significant consequences. Early recognition of symptoms, prompt medical attention, and comprehensive care are essential for optimizing outcomes in children who experience strokes.
Myths & Facts
Myth: Strokes only affect adults.
Fact: Children can also experience strokes, often due to congenital conditions or infections.
Myth: Children don’t have stroke risk factors.
Fact: Children can have risk factors like sickle cell disease, heart conditions, or infections.
Myth: Pediatric strokes always show obvious symptoms.
Fact: Some strokes in children may present with subtle symptoms or behavioral changes.
Myth: Childhood strokes are always permanent.
Fact: With prompt medical intervention and rehabilitation, many children can recover from strokes.
Myth: Childhood strokes are extremely rare.
Fact: While less common than in adults, childhood strokes do occur, emphasizing the need for awareness and early recognition.
