Arterial ischemic perinatal stroke

Stroke is more common in the newborn period than at any other time in childhood and carries the risk of significant long-term neurodevelopmental morbidity. Arterial ischemic stroke may present acutely in the neonatal period, or may come to attention later when the child develops a hemiparesis or symptomatic epilepsy syndrome. Case-control and hospital-based cohort studies have revealed many factors associated with arterial ischemic perinatal stroke (IPS), including congenital heart disease, placental pathology, and thrombophilia. Since both motor and cognitive abnormalities may result, supportive care of the individual with arterial IPS requires a multidisciplinary approach and must extend beyond the acute illness phase. Herein we review the epidemiology, presentation, risk factors, suggested diagnostic approach, treatment, and outcomes of arterial IPS.