What You Need to Know If Your Cerebral Palsy Child Suffers a Stroke

The image most people get when they hear about a stroke is that of an adult, usually older, with the resulting paralysis and cognitive issues. But strokes can also happen to children, infants and even the unborn fetus. In the United States, stroke ranks number 15 as the cause of death in children ages 0-14. Pediatric stroke also increases the risk that a child may develop cerebral palsy. If a child has suffered a stroke, with early detection and treatment, the chances for further damage and recurrence can be minimized.

In short, a stroke is the sudden death of brain cells in a localized area due to inadequate blood flow. There are two common types of strokes: hemorrhagic and ischemic. A hemorrhagic stroke is the bursting of a blood vessel within the brain. An ischemic stroke is the result of an obstruction or clot within an artery that inhibits proper blood flow to the brain. Children are equally susceptible to each type.

Heart conditions and blood disorders are known risk factors that can contribute to the increased susceptibility for stroke. For instance, children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are most at risk for ischemic stroke, usually occurring around the age 5. Children suffering from hemophilia or AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation) are more at risk for a hemorrhagic stroke. The greatest risk for pediatric stroke comes in the first year of child's life.

Children, especially those under the age of 3, most likely lack the communication skills required to let you know they need help. Therefore when it comes to infants, parents and other care givers must be especially vigilant to warning signs such as a seizure, as it could indicate a stroke. If a child is of the age where he or she is walking and or talking, the development of a slur, noticeable imbalance or blurred visions could be symptomatic of a stroke.

If a child has been diagnosed as having had a stroke, as with anything, the sooner treatment and therapy begins, the more favorable the results. There are medications that prevent blood clotting in children and surgeries aimed at reducing abnormal blood pressure within the brain. Dealing with stroke in a child is different than with an adult. Consult a pediatric neurosurgeon for the best course of action.

Hemiplegia (paralysis to one side of the body) and hemiparesis (a less severe weakened state to one side of the body) are common results of stroke to persons of all ages. In children, whose brain is still in development, stroke can result in the development of spastic hemiplegia cerebral palsy. Spastic hemiplegia cerebral palsy results in the full or partial paralysis to one side of the body. Hyperactivity, delayed walking, unexplained aggressiveness, epilepsy, seizures, speech impairments are among the challenges that these children could face.

As with other forms of cerebral palsy, there are treatment options and physical therapies available to improve the child's issues of mobility and overall quality of life. Pediatric stroke can be a terrifying event in the life of a child and his family. While some may face long-term challenges, most go on to live rewarding and healthy lives.

How to survive with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term used, a control group of chronic diseases affect describe movements, which appear in the first years of life and generally not over time deteriorate. Cerebral refers to two halves of the brain or any disorder, controlling the movement of the affected body describes the hemispheres and paralysis. Faulty development or damage to motor areas of the brain, the brain interferes with the ability to control movement and posture. First things first. Cerebral palsy is not a disease or a disease that can be contagious. Is a condition where muscle movement is affected and life on a person with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is caused by a malformation or lack of in the brain. And in most cases, doctors don't know what causes the malformation in I don't know, how to prevent it, if in the case knew the cause. This is a disease that is acquired at birth, in which perform a brain while still in the womb of the mother, during or immediately after birth. Detection of cerebral palsy in children, will last a lifetime. But that doesn't mean your child suffer a long time will have a life, too.

Today, there are devices and equipment which helps cerebral palsy children to learn something new and better. There are also special schools, where the child with cerebral palsy can visit free. Trishla foundation provides cerebral palsy home as well as cerebral palsy village for CP children for better cerebral palsy treatment. If you notice, that the range of difficulty the child in its development process with regard to toys, is to walk, sit and talk, it is quite possible that your child has this condition. Diagnosis of cerebral palsy is done observing the motor skills of your child. If it's a delay in the development of these competencies will suspect his doctor who has a child with cerebral palsy.

Living with cerebral palsy can be difficult. But with proper care and education, can give your son a more normal life. Have to be ready for additional efforts in order for it with his life and be independent in the future. There are cases where some children with cerebral palsy, which excels in education. Some were visiting colleges and degree and some lives a normal and independent life once they become adults. Trishla foundation  team of health care professionals has developed an individual treatment plan, based on the needs and problems of the patient. It is imperative that involve patients, families, teachers and parents in all stages of planning, decision-making and treatment.

Types & Causes of Cerebral Palsy Disorder

Cerebral palsy is a term which indicates permanent neurological diseases which affect the group muscles which control  movement of body, body posture, muscle coordination and speech in children. Generally, this disease or condition occurs due to some damages in brain during birth and childhood time.   

Concerned a child with this disorder have difficulties, maintain a normal life as he or she, has not control over their motor skills depending on the extent of the damage on the specific area of the brain. Permanent brain damage, goes to a child during pregnancy or at birth severely affect the child, causing great loss of many skills, which carried out essential for the correct functioning body to human activities. The decline in the growth of the brain the problem of communication between the brain and body. So, this is one of the main reasons for the so-called cerebral palsy.

There are 4 types of cerebral palsy:

1. Spastic cerebral palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy is characterized by muscle rigidity and difficult movements. Is the most common form of cerebral palsy, impact on 70 to 80% of patients.

2. Athetoid cerebral palsy

It is characterized by muscle involuntary and uncontrolled movement, including tacking or slow movements. This disease affects about 10% to 20% of patients.

3. Ataxic cerebral palsy

It is characterized by disturbed sense of balance and depth performance. The disease affects about 5% to 10% of patients.

4. Mix cerebral palsy

It is characterized by a combination of the above forms of cerebral palsy. However, the most common form of the mixture can a combination of spastic and Athetoid characteristics.

Here are some causes of the cerebral palsy disorder:

• Consumption of alcohol and toxic chemicals during pregnancy
• Genetic diseases
• Infections during pregnancy or childbirth
• RH incompatibility
• Low birth weight and preterm labour
• Malnutrition
• The mother's illness
• Multiple pregnancies
• Asphyxia and hypoxia
• Jaundice, encephalitis, epilepsy, or accidents
• Many other causes.
• It is advisable that parents of children, their children to brain take physics, specialized doctors in this area. There are a number of ways to help children with the disease.