What is Unique about Stroke in Children and Newborns?
Pediatric stroke is NOT the same as adult stroke. As a child grows, the brain develops at a remarkable rate—especially during infancy. During this time, neurons are creating, destroying, strengthening, and weakening connections amongst themselves. These connections, or synapses, create functional units that allow humans to do all that we do. The types and ways in which synapses form are influenced by infants’ experience and biology. The brain’s ability to actively change in response to different environmental factors is called plasticity. Plasticity is particularly important when thinking about pediatric stroke. The brain’s more generous plasticity during childhood allows it to respond quickly and effectively to the consequences of stroke—thereby ensuring that brain development and functions continue normally. While adult brains are capable of plasticity as well, it is often more difficult for the brain to respond as effectively to such traumas.
