Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects young children. It causes limitations in motor neuron coordination, meaning movement is affected. Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition, so it can lead to other brain conditions such as stroke. Strokes are hard to detect in afflicted children since muscle control is already affected from the disease itself. These strokes can worsen the condition and cause brain damage if left untreated.
Causes
Children with cerebral palsy have a higher potential for stroke. Cerebral palsy strokes can occur in the womb, so mothers and doctors are unaware of the condition until birth. Causes for cerebral palsy strokes include genetic blood clotting disorders, pelvic inflammatory infections during pregnancy and heart anomalies from congenital birth defects. Babies born from an emergency cesarean section also have a higher chance of stroke.
Symptoms
It's difficult to initially detect a stroke in a newborn, especially if cerebral palsy is diagnosed. Babies with cerebral palsy already have muscle movements that are abnormal, so movements affected by strokes often go unnoticed. Toddlers and children may have drooping eyes that aren't normally seen. Older children who are able to walk may have abnormal balancing problems. Some children may have trouble breathing as well.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a stroke from cerebral palsy is conducted by a physician. First, the physician will do a physical examination to detect any neurological problems. The physician will perform a CT scan, MRI or Doppler ultrasound to detect any kind of abnormal brain activity. An MRI will give the physician a visual image of the brain along with the CT scan. These two tests can determine if stroke has occurred in the patient.
Treatment
Treatment is administered to patients depending on the severity of the stroke and any current medications taken by the patient. Blood thinners may be given to help reduce the chances of any further strokes. The physician may order further tests to determine if any physical therapy is needed. For serious clotting, the physician may order surgical techniques to break the clot and allow normal blood flow to return to brain cells.
Prevention
Mothers can help prevent the possibility of a stroke during pregnancy by eating healthy and controlling their blood pressure. Doctors my prescribe blood thinners and an alternate diet for toddlers with cerebral palsy who have a high risk of stroke. Doctors may schedule regular appointments to monitor patients with cerebral palsy with high risk of strokes.
