Pediatric stroke can cause cerebral palsy

Strokes are typically associated with the elderly but it is estimated that one in 4,000 babies are affected by strokes, commonly leading to cerebral palsy. Pediatric stroke is becoming an emerging medical issue as lawmakers in Washington were briefed on the malady this week, according to Kansas City InfoZine. About 60 to 80 percent of babies who suffer a stroke survive the ordeal, but up to 80 percent of the survivors will have a neurological disorder, most commonly cerebral palsy. While pediatric stroke is not exactly common, the numbers show it is far from rare. "The absolute risk of stroke to a baby, starting a week before birth and for the next two-to-three weeks after birth would be at least the same of a 65- to 70-year-old,"said Dr. E. Steve Roach, director of pediatric neurology at the Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, told the news source. "It's not some rare thing we're dealing with." According to Roach, pediatric stroke is commonly known among neurologists, but many parents and pediatricians are not aware of the dangers to newborns, which can lead to delays in treatment. The March of Dimes estimates that two to three children in every 1,000 suffers from cerebral palsy.