Sickle cell disease Stroke (1574)
Key points below
What is a stroke?
Stroke occurs when red blood cells stick together and prevent the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. A stroke related to Sickle Cell Disease is a serious and severe problem.
It can occur alone or with other sickle cell complications.
What are the symptoms of stroke?
- Weakness of the arms or legs normally on one side of the body.
- Not able to move arms or legs at all.
- Slurred speech or not being able to talk.
- A sudden drooping on one side of the face. It often looks like a crooked smile.
- A seizure.
- Blurry or double vision.
- Older children may have a severe headache.
ALERT: If any of these symptoms are present, call 911 immediately.
What will happen in the hospital?
- A CT or an MRI will be done.
- The hematologist may talk with you about a special type of blood transfusion.
- Many other doctors and staff may be seen. This may include a neurologist or a physical, occupational or speech therapist.