A perinatal stroke happens when a baby’s brain is injured by a lack of blood flow between the 20th week of pregnancy and the 28th day after birth. It affects up to 1 in 2,300 babies born.
A perinatal stroke happens when a baby’s brain is injured by a lack of blood flow between the 20th week of pregnancy and the 28th day after birth. It affects up to 1 in 2,300 babies born.
What is a perinatal stroke?
A perinatal stroke happens when the blood flow to a baby’s brain is disrupted, either while they’re in their mother’s womb or within the first month of their life.
How common is perinatal stroke?
Perinatal stroke occurs in around 1 in 2300 to 5000 live births.
What are symptoms of perinatal stroke in kids?
Symptoms can include difficulty with movement, developmental delays, seizures, and vision problems.
How is perinatal stroke treated?
Treatment usually involves physical and occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and sometimes medication for seizures.
Perinatal stroke is a type of stroke that occurs in an infant between the 20th week of gestation and the 28th postnatal day. It is a cerebrovascular event characterized by the disruption of blood flow to the brain, resulting in focal neurological injury. Perinatal stroke is a leading cause of cerebral palsy and other neurological disabilities in children, with an incidence rate of approximately 1 in 2,300 live births.
Helpful Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
March of Dimes
Symptoms of perinatal stroke can vary depending on the location and extent of the brain injury. Some common signs include:
| Motor symptoms | Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, abnormal muscle tone, delayed motor milestones |
| Cognitive symptoms | Developmental delays, learning difficulties, attention problems |
| Sensory symptoms | Vision problems, hearing impairments, sensory processing issues |
| Seizures | Focal or generalized seizures may occur in some cases |
It’s important to note that some symptoms may only be apparent once the child reaches certain developmental milestones. Regular monitoring and assessment by healthcare professionals can help identify concerns and ensure timely intervention.
