Stroke in Neonates can result from both ischemic and hemorrhagic brain conditions. The symptoms of this disease can appear from the first day the baby is born or may manifest between 6-9 months of age. Therefore, parents or caregivers should closely observe any symptoms or abnormalities that may occur and monitor the baby’s development carefully.
Causes of Stroke in Infants
The causes of abnormalities can arise from various factors, including blood clotting disorders, infections in the central nervous system, and heart disease. Specialists will conduct thorough examinations to identify the cause in each case for targeted treatment.
Symptoms of Stroke
Diagnosis is quite difficult because infants cannot communicate well. Therefore, observation of symptoms by parents, as well as family history, is essential. In infants, over 90% of cases present with seizures, often localized to one side. Some infants may also show lethargy and poor feeding. Older children may present with delayed gross motor development or weakness in one side of the limbs. As children grow older, they can describe symptoms more clearly, such as facial or mouth drooping. If your child shows these symptoms, parents should urgently take them to the hospital.
Types of Stroke in Infants Can Be Divided into 2 Groups:
- Ischemic Stroke is the most common type of stroke in infants, accounting for about 80% of ischemic brain conditions. The incidence is approximately 1 in 3,500 newborns. The severity lies in the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels supplying the brain, preventing blood flow to the distal brain areas. Risk factors can come from the mother, such as abnormalities during pregnancy like infected amniotic fluid, oligohydramnios, premature rupture of membranes, or high blood pressure during pregnancy. Risk factors from the infant include abnormal blood clotting, brain oxygen deprivation, or bloodstream infections. The cause is often related to abnormalities in the heart and blood vessels in the neck.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke has an incidence of about 1 in 6,300 newborns. It usually results from direct injury to brain blood vessels due to risk factors such as premature birth, trauma, or abnormalities in the blood vessels in that area, causing increased blood flow and fragility, making them more prone to rupture than normal individuals. This also includes patients with underlying blood disorders.
Treatment Approaches
There are three treatment approaches considered by doctors:
- Treatment with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs
These medications help dissolve blood clots and prevent blood clotting, keeping brain blood vessels from becoming blocked. Specialists will consider their use based on indications. - Surgical treatment
Surgery is considered when there is increased intracranial pressure, such as from a large brain hematoma, which often causes severe symptoms in children. However, doctors will assess the risks before performing surgery. - Physical therapy
Physical therapy is always done alongside other treatments to increase the chances of recovery to normal function.
Stroke in children is a condition that parents should be highly vigilant about, as it can be life-threatening. You can prevent serious outcomes by regularly observing your child’s abnormal symptoms and promptly taking them to see a doctor for their safety.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chidchanok Thianphat
Specialist in Pediatric Neurology
Child and Adolescent Health Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
