Neonatal Stroke

Neonatal stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is blocked in a newborn. According to research published in 2004 in the journal, "Lancet," stroke is diagnosed in approximately one of every 4,000 newborns.

Definition

"Neonatal" is a term generally used to refer to a period of approximately one month after the birth of an infant. The term, "perinatal" may be used to refer to the neonatal period as well as the period just prior to birth.

Types

An ischemic stroke is a stroke caused by a clogged blood vessel in the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a burst blood vessel in the brain.

Considerations

According to a 2003 Pediatric News article, stroke is as much of a danger for newborns as it is for the elderly. Seizures may be an indicator that neonatal stroke is occurring.

Complications

According to research published in 2001 in the New England Journal of Medicine, neonatal stroke, particularly associated with a blocked blood vessel in the brain, can cause neurological impairment and death.

Factors

Neonatal stroke risk factors may include an infection in the mother, complications during birth, and blood clotting.

References

• PubMed: "Stroke in newborn infants." Lancet. Nelson KB, Lynch JK. 2004
• PubMed: "Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis in children." New England Journal of Medicine. deVeber G., 2001
• "When neonatal seizures strike, think stroke." Pediatric News Boschert, Sherry. 2003