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A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
Heart, brain, and mind: a case series of multifactorial ischemic strokes in children
Freedom F Perkins1, Ian J Butler
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Insights
Pediatric ischemic strokes, though rare, impact brain development. Multiple risk factors, like clotting disorders and infections, often contribute to these strokes in children, potentially causing cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- Ischemic strokes in children are more common than perceived and can disrupt normal brain development.
- Established risk factors include coagulation defects, cardiac anomalies, metabolic disorders, infections, trauma, and migraines.
Observation:
- This study details four pediatric cases exhibiting multiple stroke risk factors.
- The cases highlight the multifactorial etiology of childhood ischemic strokes.
- Neuropsychological assessments in two patients revealed cognitive deficits linked to recurrent strokes.
Findings:
- Children with ischemic strokes often present with a combination of risk factors.
- Multiple risk factors suggest a complex, multifactorial cause for pediatric ischemic strokes.
- Recurrent strokes in children can lead to significant cognitive impairment.
Implications:
- Identifying multiple risk factors is crucial for diagnosing and managing pediatric ischemic strokes.
- Understanding the multifactorial nature of these strokes can inform targeted prevention strategies.
- Early detection and intervention are vital to mitigate long-term cognitive consequences in affected children.
Abstract:
Ischemic strokes in children, although generally rare events, are more prevalent than commonly believed and can adversely affect brain development. Ischemic strokes in children have been associated with various risk factors, including coagulation defects, cardiac anomalies, inborn errors of metabolism, infections, trauma, and even migraine headaches. We present four children with two or more of these risk factors, indicating multifactorial causes of strokes in children. Neuropsychologic testing in two of our cases also underscores cognitive decline as a result of recurrent strokes.
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