A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain cell damage and affecting motor and cognitive function. While strokes are often associated with adults, children—especially infants—can also experience them, with symptoms that may be hard to recognize early on. Here’s an overview of pediatric stroke and why it’s often missed or delayed in diagnosis.
What Is a Stroke in Children?
Strokes in children can happen in utero, during birth, or later in childhood. Depending on the brain region affected, strokes can lead to a wide range of physical and cognitive impairments.
Symptoms of Stroke in Children
Symptoms vary by age:
- Infants: Early signs may be subtle, like seizures on one side of the body, trouble breathing, poor feeding, and a preference for one hand before 10 months of age. Delays in movement milestones (e.g., rolling, sitting, crawling) can also signal a problem, but are often dismissed as normal developmental variations.
- Young Children: Toddlers and preschoolers may show delays in motor skills (like walking), stiffness or restricted movement, and language difficulties. These can be mistaken for typical delays, delaying a correct diagnosis.
- Older Children: In school-age children, symptoms like one-sided weakness, seizures, and speech problems are more obvious, but early detection is still important.
Why Are Pediatric Strokes Often Misdiagnosed or Diagnosed Late?
Pediatric strokes are often missed, particularly in infants, due to several factors:
- Brain Immaturity: In infants, the brain may compensate for injury, masking symptoms and making the stroke less apparent.
- Misinterpretation of Normal Development: Early signs like hand preference or motor delays are often mistaken for typical developmental differences.
- Cognitive Masking: Some children may show normal cognitive function, which can obscure motor delays.
Early Diagnosis is Key
Recognizing the signs of a pediatric stroke early is crucial for getting the right care. If you notice any unusual developmental signs, seek medical advice promptly. Early diagnosis leads to better treatment and improved outcomes.
Our Innovative Approach: Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) for Stroke Recovery
At Powerhouse Therapy, we offer Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT), a cutting-edge treatment that helps children with pediatric strokes regain motor skills and coordination in their weaker arm or hand. Developed by Dr. Edward Taub, CIMT works by constraining the unaffected limb, encouraging the child to use the impaired limb more often. This promotes the brain’s ability to form new neural pathways, enhancing movement and control.
Our Occupational Therapists use shaping techniques to guide children through progressively challenging tasks, fostering skill development and building confidence. With constant encouragement and personalized support, CIMT helps children make significant gains in motor function and independence.
If your child has experienced a pediatric stroke, CIMT can help unlock their full potential. Contact us today to learn how our program can support your child’s recovery.