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Published on: April 21, 2017
Early intervention after perinatal stroke: opportunities and challenges
1Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Insights
Early intervention for perinatal stroke is crucial. Targeting the critical window of brain plasticity in early childhood can improve outcomes for hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Perinatal stroke is the leading cause of hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
- A critical window for activity-dependent plasticity exists in early life for motor pathway development.
- Current early interventions for perinatal stroke lack standardization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current approaches for early intervention in perinatal stroke.
- To highlight the importance of targeting early plasticity for motor development.
- To identify areas for future research in early detection and outcome prediction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current and emerging intervention strategies.
- Analysis of the critical time window for neuroplasticity.
- Discussion of developmental pathways for corticospinal tract formation.
Main Results:
- Various intervention approaches are under investigation for perinatal stroke.
- Early intervention holds potential to significantly alter developmental trajectories.
- Standardized protocols are lacking, hindering optimal treatment.
Conclusions:
- Targeting early life plasticity is key to mitigating hemiplegic cerebral palsy consequences.
- Further research is needed to develop standardized early interventions.
- Improved early detection and outcome prediction are critical goals.
Abstract:
Perinatal stroke is the most common cause of hemiplegic cerebral palsy. No standardized early intervention exists despite evidence for a critical time window for activity-dependent plasticity to mould corticospinal tract development in the first few years of life. Intervention during this unique period of plasticity could mitigate the consequences of perinatal stroke to an extent not possible with later intervention, by preserving the normal pattern of development of descending motor pathways. This article outlines the broad range of approaches currently under investigation. Despite significant progress in this area, improved early detection and outcome prediction remain important goals.
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
