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A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
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This infant is having a stroke: an illustrative case report
Hugh O'Reilly1, Michael Barrett2,3, Laura Melody2
1Department of Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland. hughloreilly@gmail.com.
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|November 30, 2022
Summary
Timely intervention for paediatric stroke is crucial. This case study highlights successful thrombolysis in an 8-month-old infant, demonstrating achievable outcomes with prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Paediatric stroke is a rare neurological emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent long-term disability.
- Established reperfusion strategies like thrombolysis are available for children, but access is often delayed by diagnostic challenges.
- Limited infrastructure and public awareness contribute to delayed diagnosis in paediatric stroke cases, unlike in adults.
Observation:
- An 8-month-old infant presented with acute-onset left-sided hemiplegia, a critical symptom of paediatric stroke.
- Rapid identification of stroke, timely neuroimaging, and multidisciplinary team involvement were key to the patient's management.
- The infant received thrombolysis in a paediatric intensive care unit following prompt diagnosis.
Findings:
- The infant received timely thrombolysis, a crucial reperfusion therapy for acute ischaemic stroke.
- Despite a minor speech delay, the infant demonstrated positive recovery with normal gross motor function.
- This case illustrates the successful application of advanced stroke treatments in a paediatric patient within an Irish healthcare setting.
Implications:
- Equitable access to paediatric stroke care necessitates a national strategy due to the condition's rarity.
- Early diagnosis and prompt intervention, including reperfusion therapies, are vital for improving outcomes in paediatric stroke.
- This case underscores the potential for successful paediatric stroke management with coordinated multidisciplinary care and timely interventions.
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