Need for cognitive rehabilitation for children with sickle cell disease and strokes

Stroke is a significant cause of morbidity among children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Approximately 30% of children with sickle cell amemia will have either an overt stroke or silent infarct (an injury to the brain that does not have any focal neurological findings or a history of focal neurological deficits). Despite the strong association between stroke and cognitive deficits and poor educational attainment, few interventions have been developed to address this vulnerable population of children. A cognitive rehabilitation program was piloted to improve the memory and educational achievement of children with sickle cell disease and stroke. While the intervention was feasible, additional research is needed to establish efficacy. Ongoing studies are designed to improve the cognitive impairment for children with SCD and stroke. The health and educational systems will need to work as partners to improve the cognitive and educational outcomes of these children after they suffer from stroke.