Newborns Can Suffer Strokes in First Days of Life, Experts Warn

Newborns are at risk of stroke, a condition that can lead to severe brain damage if not detected early, Israeli neurologists are warning. This risk, often overlooked due to limited awareness, affects approximately one in every 4,000 infants born.

The primary cause identified is blood clots originating from the placenta that travel to the fetal brain. Other contributing factors include congenital heart defects, blood clotting disorders, infections, or birth trauma. Experts emphasize that these strokes are typically unforeseen and not linked to maternal actions during pregnancy or childbirth.

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About one in 4,000 infants has a stroke during or immediately after birth.

Treatment for neonatal stroke focuses on managing seizures, providing supportive care, and identifying the cause. Unlike adults, newborns do not typically receive clot-busting or anticoagulant medications. A significant advantage for infants is their brain's high neuroplasticity, allowing healthy brain regions to compensate for damaged areas.

Despite this potential for recovery, a substantial majority, around 60-70%, of infants who experience strokes may still develop neurological deficits. These can range from one-sided weakness and motor function disorders to speech delays, vision problems, learning difficulties, or epilepsy. Prompt medical attention is crucial, as every minute of delay can result in the loss of millions of brain cells, diminishing the chances of recovery.

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Every minute of delay can cause the brain to lose millions of nerve cells, reducing the patient's chances of recovery.