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Paediatric Stroke

What is Paediatric Stroke?

Paediatric stroke refers to the occurrence of a stroke—a disruption of blood flow to the brain—in infants, children, or adolescents. While less common than in adults, stroke can have significant consequences for paediatric patients, affecting their motor function, cognition, and overall development. Paediatric strokes can result from various causes, including blood clot formation, arterial dissection, or underlying medical conditions such as sickle cell disease or congenital heart defects.

A diagnosis of paediatric stroke can be distressing for both the child and their family, as it may entail various physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. The implications of paediatric stroke can vary depending on factors such as the age of the child, the location and severity of the stroke, and any underlying medical conditions. Some common effects may include:

1. Motor Impairment: Paediatric stroke can lead to weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (hemiparesis or hemiplegia), affecting mobility and coordination. Children may experience difficulties with walking, balance, and fine motor skills.

2. Speech and Language Difficulties: Stroke can impact the areas of the brain responsible for speech and language function, leading to difficulties with articulation, language comprehension, or expressive communication.

3. Cognitive Challenges: Depending on the location of the stroke it affects cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, and executive function, impacting academic performance and daily functioning.

4. Seizures: Some children may develop seizures following a stroke, which can further complicate management and require medical intervention.

5. Emotional and Behavioural Changes: Coping with the effects of stroke and adjusting to changes in physical and cognitive abilities can be emotionally challenging for children, leading to anxiety, depression, or behavioural problems.

How Can Neuro Alliance Assist My Child?

Neuro Alliance provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to support children and families affected by paediatric stroke, helping them navigate the complexities of recovery and optimize outcomes. Our multidisciplinary team, comprising physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists, collaborates to address the diverse needs of paediatric stroke survivors. Here’s how we can assist:

Physiotherapy

Neuromuscular Rehabilitation

Our physiotherapists focus on improving motor function and mobility through targeted exercises, gait training, and neurodevelopmental techniques tailored to the child’s specific needs and abilities.

Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)

For children with hemiparesis, CIMT may be utilised to promote the use of the affected limb through intensive, structured therapy sessions aimed at increasing motor control and function.

Balance and Coordination Training

We incorporate balance exercises, proprioceptive training, and coordination activities to enhance postural control and stability, reducing the risk of falls and promoting independence in daily activities.

Orthotic Management

Our team can refer for neuromuscular orthotics. Orthotists prescribe appropriate devices, such as ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) or splints, to support alignment, improve gait efficiency, and prevent contractures.

Occupational Therapy

Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Training

Our occupational therapists work with children and families to develop strategies and adaptations to facilitate independence in self-care tasks, such as dressing, grooming, and feeding.

Hand Function Enhancement

We provide interventions to improve hand strength, coordination, and dexterity, enabling children to participate more effectively in school and leisure activities that require fine motor skills.

Cognitive Rehabilitation

Our therapists address cognitive challenges through activities aimed at improving attention, memory, problem-solving, and executive function skills, promoting academic success and daily functioning.

Environmental Modifications

We collaborate with families to modify home and school environments to enhance accessibility, safety, and participation in meaningful activities.

Speech Pathology

Speech and Language Therapy

Our speech pathologists assess and address speech and language difficulties resulting from stroke, providing interventions to improve articulation, language comprehension, and expressive communication skills.

Cognitive-Communication Therapy

We offer interventions to address cognitive-communication deficits, such as difficulties with attention, memory, and social communication, helping children effectively navigate social interactions and academic tasks.

Swallowing Therapy

For children with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) following stroke, we provide swallowing assessments and implement strategies to ensure safe and efficient oral intake, reducing the risk of aspiration and promoting nutritional health.

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