Stroke Program

Understanding and diagnosing pediatric cerebrovascular disorders, including stroke, requires a comprehensive approach. This involves a detailed assessment of clinical symptoms, examination of your child’s medical history and utilization of advanced diagnostic tools to ensure accurate identification and effective treatment.

Our thorough diagnostic process ensures that we capture a complete picture of your child's condition, allowing us to develop an accurate diagnosis and create a customized treatment plan. By combining expert clinical evaluations with advanced diagnostic tools, we strive to provide the highest level of care and improve outcomes for children affected by stroke and other cerebrovascular disorders.

We utilize a variety of diagnostic studies and cutting-edge technology to accurately diagnose and effectively manage stroke, ensuring precise evaluation and optimal treatment for each patient. This includes:

  • Brain Imaging Studies: We utilize CT, advanced MRI and cerebral angiograms to diagnose stroke and detect any abnormalities in the brain's blood vessels.
  • Blood Tests: These are critical in identifying infections, inflammation, genetic causes, clotting or bleeding issues or other conditions contributing to stroke risk.
  • Cardiac and Vascular Assessments: Tools like electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms (echo) and doppler ultrasounds help us examine heart rhythm and potential sources of blood clots.
  • Lumbar Puncture: This is also known as a spinal tap and provides crucial information about the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG): This test is important for detecting electrical activity in the brain, including seizure activity.
  • Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound (TCD): This diagnostic test monitors changes in cerebral blood flow.
  • Multimodal Monitoring: This comprehensive approach gives us a real-time overview of neurological and physiological changes in stroke patients.

Specialized Treatment Approaches for Childhood Stroke

At Phoenix Children’s, treatment plans are tailored to the specific type of stroke your child has experienced. For ischemic strokes, which are caused by blood clots, we may administer tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to dissolve clots, along with aspirin and other blood thinners to prevent further clotting. Depending on the nature and severity of the stroke, surgical intervention such as mechanical embolectomy or clot extraction, may be necessary to remove clots or address underlying issues.

In addition to these treatments, we may utilize blood transfusions, oxygen therapy and other critical interventions to support your child's recovery and overall well-being. Children may receive care in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), where they will be closely monitored and managed by our expert team to ensure the highest level of care and attention during their recovery process. This comprehensive approach is designed to address the immediate needs of your child while laying the foundation for long-term recovery and rehabilitation.

Comprehensive Recovery and Rehabilitation

At Phoenix Children's, our team delivers customized care through physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy, each designed to meet the specific needs of your child. Our physical therapy focuses on improving movement and strength, speech therapy helps with communication and swallowing difficulties and occupational therapy assists in regaining daily living skills and functional independence.

Additionally, we provide specialized support to address any behavioral or emotional changes that may arise after a stroke. Recognizing that recovery extends beyond physical healing, our team is committed to offering comprehensive support to help your child adapt and thrive in all aspects of their life.

Comprehensive Care at Phoenix Children's

At Phoenix Children's, our highest priority is your child's well-being. Our facilities, including the Pediatric ICU, Cardiovascular ICU, Neonatal ICU and Emergency Department are staffed around the clock with experts ready to provide timely care.

Our specialists, including pediatric neurologists and neurointerventionists, are available to deliver expert care. They work collaboratively, ensuring your child receives the best possible treatment at every stage of their journey.

A Hub of Expertise and Care

The Stroke Program at Phoenix Children’s includes a diverse team of specialists across vascular neurology, interventional neuroradiology, neurosurgery, hematology, cardiology and physical medicine and rehabilitation. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that every aspect of your child’s condition is addressed with the highest level of expertise and care.

Before your visit, our team conducts a thorough review of your child's case to develop a comprehensive and personalized care plan. This plan may include prearranged imaging or additional diagnostic tests tailored to your child's specific needs. By coordinating these efforts in advance, we ensure a streamlined and efficient process that focuses on delivering the most effective treatment.

Research

In addition to our extensive clinical expertise, our team is deeply committed to advancing the field of cerebrovascular disorders through cutting-edge research. We are dedicated to exploring and developing new therapies and diagnostic techniques that aim to improve patient outcomes.
Our research efforts are enhanced by our collaboration with leading specialists in the field. We are members of the International Pediatric Stroke Organization (IPSO). We also collaborate with its research arm, the International Pediatric Stroke Study (IPSS) consortium.

These partnerships enable us to stay at the forefront of global advancements in pediatric stroke and integrate the latest findings into our practice. This unwavering commitment to research ensures that your child benefits from the most current and effective treatments.