Local (516) 731-5868 or Toll Free: (877) 761-4327
Aphasia Speaks
Pediatric Stroke & Aphasia
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Although, strokes are more common in adults, strokes can happen at any age. This is Alex's story.
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At what age can children have a stroke?
Children may experience a stroke at any time before birth, during birth or after birth.
What are some of the causes of pediatric strokes?
Some of the causes of strokes in children may be:
1.Birth defects
Birth defects2.Trauma to the brain
Trauma to the brain3.Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis4.Metabolic disorders
Metabolic disorders5.Blood disorders resulting in clotting problems
Blood disorders resulting in clotting problems6.Congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease7.Acquired heart disease
Acquired heart disease8.Abnormalities of the blood vessels
Abnormalities of the blood vesselsWhat are some of the symptoms of stroke in children?
Although, symptoms may vary, these are some of the warning signs to be aware of:
1.Sudden complaint of severe headache
Sudden complaint of severe headache2.Vision problems
Vision problems3.Sudden numbness to face, arm or leg; especially on one side of the body
Sudden numbness to face, arm or leg; especially on one side of the body4.Difficulty speaking or difficulty understanding
Difficulty speaking or difficulty understanding5.Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty swallowing6.Balance problems
Balance problems7.Dizziness
Dizziness8.Paralysis to one side of body
Paralysis to one side of body9.Loss of consciousness
Loss of consciousnessWhat are the types of strokes?
There are two types of strokes:
1.Ischemic stroke – clots form and prevent oxygen and blood flow through the arteries leading to the brain
Ischemic stroke – clots form and prevent oxygen and blood flow through the arteries leading to the brain2.Hemorrhagic stroke – there is a rupture of an artery from trauma, damage or even a malformation of the blood vessels which results in bleeding in the brain which causes damage to the various areas within the brain.
Hemorrhagic stroke – there is a rupture of an artery from trauma, damage or even a malformation of the blood vessels which results in bleeding in the brain which causes damage to the various areas within the brain.What will children experience after a stroke?
Some of the after effects of the stroke may be some or many of the following:
1.Hemiparesis – a weakness on one side of the body
Hemiparesis – a weakness on one side of the body2.Hemiplegia – paralysis on one side of the body
Hemiplegia – paralysis on one side of the body3.Aphasia – difficulty with expressive language and/or comprehension or understanding language
Aphasia – difficulty with expressive language and/or comprehension or understanding language4.Dysarthria – difficulty with speech; slurred speech
Dysarthria – difficulty with speech; slurred speech5.Dysphagia – difficulty with swallowing
Dysphagia – difficulty with swallowing6.Cognitive Impairment – difficulty with memory, processing and problem solving
Cognitive Impairment – difficulty with memory, processing and problem solving7.Changes in personality and behavior
Changes in personality and behavior8.Problems with emotional control
Problems with emotional control9.Vision problems
Vision problemsWhat type of treatment is available after the stroke?
Children who experience a stroke may require surgical as well as medical intervention. Once stabilized, and based on the damage resulting from the stroke, a rehabilitation plan will be developed to help the child to recover. Rehabilitation may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nutritional therapy, and psychological therapy.
Children who experience strokes may have a long recovery road ahead of them. They may experience learning problems as the result of the stroke which will compromise their ability to thrive academically. It is therefore necessary to work closely with your child’s educators to ensure that an academic plan is in place immediately for school age children. For children ages birth to five years old there are early intervention programs available in the state where the child resides.
Children who experience a stroke may have a difficult time interacting socially and emotionally with peers. Therefore, parents and caregivers should locate socialization and communication groups to encourage conversation and interpersonal communication with other children who have also experienced the effects of stroke.
Aphasia Speaks offers children who are now living with aphasia as well as learning problems an opportunity to socialize and enhance communication and academic skills. Children participate in small groups which are designed to promote socialization, improve language, reading and writing skills and build confidence. In addition, parents and caregivers are provided with educational activities that can be used at home with their children to heighten carryover of newly learned skills to the home, as well as to the social and academic environment.
Finally, parents will have an opportunity to learn how to more effectively communicate with their child who is recovering from a stroke. In addition, they have an opportunity to share their feelings and information with other parents who also have children participating in the groups at Aphasia Speaks.
For More Information & To Learn More About Our Stroke
Socialization & Communication Enrichment Groups On Long Island
Call Us At:
(516) 731-5868 in Nassau County
