Does anyone know of an infant who had a stroke at or around birth? How are they now? A baby in our family?

Question

had a stroke at birth. She is three weeks old. I have heard some stories about how babies have fared. I really want to know on a broarder scale how these babies do. Please help

Answer 1

Hi. I'm sorry your family is going through this experience. I know its terribly scary. I am a speech pathologist with 12 years experience in hospitals working with people with strokes and head injuries. The answer to your question is a tough one without all the details. It depends a lot on where the damage occured and how extensive it was. The good news is that a baby's brain is still extremely plastic. (Meaning that the neural pathways are very easily rerouted) That means that babies will do better than adults in recovery. Have you ever heard about children with severe seizures having 1/2 of their brain removed. They do really well. So , it is likely that this baby can still have a very bright future. Please tell the baby's parents about Early Intervention. It is a federal program for children birth-3 years of age requiring special services. Ask a pediatrician, school district or county office for the number in your area. Best of luck. I'll keep you in my thoughts. I just started a group regarding stroke. Check it out if you want. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SPEECHCONNECT or email me at [e-mail]
I just posted some helpful links. I also know a woman who's son is 17 now. He had an aneurysm at 3 mos. He is in a wheelchair and I don't want to scare you but if you'd like to contact her , look at her profile under http://aneurysm.meetup.com/79/.
Regards Carolyn
I just found another YahooGroup called BrainInjuredChild. I found it by searching under brain injury in YahooGroups.

Answer 2

I would think a newborn having a stroke would not be good. Too much damage for a baby too handle.