Stroke in children, how is it different from stroke in adults?

You may think that strokes can only be experienced by adults and the elderly. However, in reality, strokes can also occur in children. Even so, strokes in adults and in children can be very different. Then, what happens when a child has a stroke? How is it handled? Check out the full explanation below.

Causes of stroke in children

Source: Dreams Time

As with strokes in adults, strokes in children are also distinguished by type. Even so, the cause of each type of stroke is different from the cause in adults.

Causes of ischemic stroke in children

The following is information on the causes of strokes that are common in children:

1. Congenital heart disease

Congenital heart disease, such as abnormal heart valves or infection of the heart, can cause blood clots to form in the heart. The blood clot can travel to the brain.

To treat this condition, the child may have to undergo surgery or take antibiotics as a stroke treatment.

2. Sickle cell anemia

About 10% of children who have sickle cell anemia also suffer a stroke. When a child has this disease, blood cells cannot carry oxygen to the brain. This causes blood vessels to the brain to become narrowed.

3. Injury

Ischemic strokes in children can also occur as a result of trauma that is obtained from injury to an artery and causes blood flow to the brain to stop. For example, the arteries may be damaged if the child has a neck injury.

Causes of hemorrhagic stroke in children

Here are some possible causes of hemorrhagic stroke in children:

1. Blood vessels burst

If the blood vessels in the brain burst, the blood will not reach its destination. This causes the brain to become deprived of oxygen and increases the potential for permanent brain damage.

2. Arteriovena malformations

Hemorrhagic strokes in children are usually caused by a ruptured, weakened, or malformed artery. The risk of having a stroke also increases if the child has certain diseases, such as hemophilia.

Risk factors for stroke in children

There are several health problems that can increase your risk:

• Heart health problems.
• Sickle cell anemia.
• Infections, such as meningitis and encephalitis.
• Head injury.
• Dehydration.
• Migraine headaches.
• Metabolic disease.
• Blood clotting disease.
• Abnormal vascular disease.
• Birth defects.
• Hereditary diseases.
• High blood pressure.

Even so, in children, stroke can occur without any definite cause.

Symptoms of stroke in children

Stroke symptoms that may appear in children depend on the child's age and the cause of the stroke they are experiencing. Symptoms that may appear in newborns are:

• Seizures.
• Sleep and easily drowsiness excessively and unnaturally.
• Tendency to use only one side of his body.

Meanwhile, in children, the symptoms that appear are mostly similar to those that appear in adults, such as:

• Excessive headache, possibly vomiting.
• Experiencing visual disturbances and difficulty moving the eyeballs.
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body or face.
• Dizziness and confusion.
• Difficulty walking or easily lose balance.
• Difficulty speaking or understanding what other people say.
• Loss of consciousness and excessive sleepiness.
• Seizure or paralysis on one side of the body.

If your child experiences any of the symptoms of stroke mentioned above, immediately contact the Emergency Room at the nearest hospital.

How to Diagnose a stroke in children

Diagnosis of stroke generally begins with an examination of the symptoms experienced and their medical history. Usually, the doctor will ask about injuries, infections, problems with the child's growth and development, to family medical history related to bleeding.

After that, the doctor will undergo several tests to diagnose a stroke, such as:

1. Brain imaging studies

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the tests a child may have to undergo to diagnose a stroke. In addition, if an MRI cannot be done, the doctor may suggest that the child has a CT scan.

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) may also have to be done as part of an MRI.

2. Blood test

Blood tests will usually be done to check for signs of infection, sickle cell disease, inflammation of the blood vessels, and abnormal blood clot formation.

3. Examination of the heart and blood vessels

The heart rate is checked using an electrocardiogram or EKG. Apart from that, the engine ultrasound a special medicine may also be used to check for the possibility that the child has a pulmonary embolism or blood clot. A special monitor will usually be used to see for any abnormal heart rhythms in the long term.

4. Lumbar puncture

The fluid around the brain and spine may be checked for signs of infection.

5. Electroencepalogram

This examination is done to check for seizures in children.

6. Pulse oximeter

This examination is done to check whether there is enough oxygen in the blood.

Stroke treatment in children

In its early stages, treatment for children usually focuses on restoring blood flow to the brain. The following are treatment options that can be done:

1. Medical therapy

Your child may be given medications for stroke such as aspirin and various other blood thinners. In addition, the doctor will also provide special vitamins for children. Children with sickle cell disease may be given hydroxyurea, transfusion therapy, or both at the same time.

However, if a stroke causes your child to have a seizure, the doctor may also prescribe anti-seizure medication. Even so, drugs that are usually given to adults who have had a stroke still cannot be given to children, except during certain conditions.

2. Neuroradiology intervention

If your child has an arteriovenous malformation or aneurysm, the doctor may place a catheter in the affected blood vessel to repair it. In certain situations, the use of a catheter can also be used to move blood clots in the blood vessels to restore normal blood flow.

This procedure is usually performed by inserting a catheter inserted into a vein in the arm or leg that is directed to the blood vessel in the brain.

3. Operations

Surgical procedures may need to be done to treat certain types of stroke. Even so, the type of surgery that is performed also depends on the cause of the stroke experienced by the child.

One type of surgery is performed to remove a small portion of the skull that may be needed to prevent swelling of the brain. Other operations are performed to repair abnormal blood vessels, and help restore blood flow to the injured area.

Stroke recovery in children

After the child's condition is declared stable, you still have to undergo routine examinations to monitor the child's condition. After that, the doctor and the medical team will examine the function of the child's organs and maximize their recovery.

During the recovery period, the child may still have difficulty walking, seeing, speaking, reading, and sometimes it is difficult to move one side of their body. Strokes can also cause seizures or affect a child's mindset and emotions.

Even so, a child's brain that is still growing has a greater chance of recovering from a stroke than an adult brain. Early diagnosis and prompt and prompt treatment can minimize the risk of developing stroke complications. Rehabilitation that is undertaken early can also help maximize the recovery process.