Intelligence Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Intelligence, including details on iq, testing, nature vs nurture, cognition.

Neuropsychological problems after paediatric stroke: two year follow-up of Swiss children.

Pavlovic J, Kaufmann F, Boltshauser E, Capone Mori A, Gubser Mercati D, Haenggeli CA, Keller E, Lütschg J, Marcoz JP, Ramelli GP, Roulet Perez E, Schmitt-Mechelke T, Weissert M, Steinlin M

University Children's Hospital Berne, Switzerland. julia.pavlovic@insel.ch

AIM: The aim of this study was to obtain information about neurological and cognitive outcome for a population-based group of children after paediatric ischaemic stroke. METHODS: Data from the Swiss neuropaediatric stroke registry (SNPSR), from 1.1.2000 to 1.7.2002, including children (AIS 1) and neonates (AIS 2). At 18-24 months after a stroke, a follow-up examination was performed including a history, neurological and neuropsychological assessment. RESULTS: 33/48 children (22 AIS 1, 11 AIS 2) participated in the study. Neurological outcome was good in 16/33. After childhood stroke mean IQ levels were normal (94), but 6 children had IQ < 85 (50-82) and neuropsychological problems were present in 75%. Performance IQ (93) was reduced compared to verbal IQ (101, p = 0.121) due to problems in the domain of processing speed (89.5); auditory short-term memory was especially affected. Effects on school career were common. Outcome was worse in children after right-sided infarction. Children suffering from stroke in mid-childhood had the best prognosis. There was no clear relationship between outcome and localisation of the lesion. After neonatal stroke 7/11 children showed normal development and epilepsy indicated a worse prognosis in the remaining 4. CONCLUSION: After paediatric stroke neuropsychological problems are present in about 75% of children. Younger age at stroke as well as an emergence of epilepsy were predictors for worse prognosis.

Published 16 March 2006 in Neuropediatrics, 37(1): 13-9.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Intelligence Research Today. All Rights Reserved.