WHAT IS A STOKE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN?
A stroke is a sudden, unexpected interruption in the brain’s blood supply. Stroke in children can cause long-term problems with movement, speech and other things that the brain controls. It can also cause changes in behaviour, learning difficulties or epilepsy.
Stroke in babies and children is uncommon. It affects around 1 in 2000 babies and is even less common in older children.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF STROKE IN CHILDREN?
A stroke is caused by a blockage in the veins or arteries into the brain, or by blood leaking from those veins and arteries. This can cause a change in blood supply to the brain, which damages brain cells. This can affect movement, speech or other functions that the brain controls.
Children have different risk factors for stroke than adults.
Babies can be at risk of stroke if they have blood clotting problems or have had an infection.
Children can be at risk of stroke if the blood vessels supplying their brain are inflamed or poorly formed.
Other risk factors include particular types of heart problems and some underlying medical conditions.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF STROKE?
The causes of stroke in children might be different from those in adults, but the signs and symptoms are the same.
Strokes can happen very suddenly. If you can recognise the signs and symptoms and respond quickly, you can start treatment as soon as possible. The first signs of stroke are:
- Face Dropping
- Arm Weakness
- Speech Difficulty
Other signs of stroke in children include:
- Sudden Severe Headache
- Sudden Balance Problems or Difficulty Walking
- Sudden Difficulty Seeing
- Weakness on One Side of the Body
- Brief Loss of Vision
- Convulsions
HOW IS STROKE DIAGNOSED?
Doctors diagnose stroke with MRI or CT scans on the brain.
Other tests to find out the cause of the stroke might include an ultrasound of the heart or tests to check clotting of the blood.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR STROKE?
Treatment depends on the type of stroke a child has had.
In children with strokes caused by a blockage in the arteries or veins, treatment might include blood-thinning medication such as aspirin or warfarin. In children with strokes caused by a leaking blood vessel, treatment might include brain surgery to stop the bleeding.
Children often need specialised rehabilitation to get better after a stroke, regardless of the type of stroke they’ve had.
WHY KIMS?
KIMS, with the best stroke clinics in Hyderabad, provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for children and infants who suffer from strokes. We provide inpatient and outpatient consultation and coordination of care and recovery services, including family education and support, making us one of the best neuro paediatric hospitals in Hyderabad KIMS. Our best stroke treatment specialist doctors in Hyderabad is capable of treating the most challenging and complex conditions. We see new-borns through adolescents at every stage of stroke, from acute care in the emergency department through long-term follow-up, rehabilitation and planning for each child’s educational needs.