Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto have uncovered significant mental health challenges facing children who have survived an ischemic stroke. The study, to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference, reveals that young stroke survivors are at higher risk for developing anxiety, depression, and related physical symptoms compared to their peers.
The retrospective analysis of 161 school-age children who experienced an ischemic stroke between 2002 and 2020 found alarming mental health statistics. Depression, anxiety, and somatization were present in 13%, 13.7%, and 17.4% of childhood stroke survivors, respectively. The most vulnerable age appears to be between 8.5 and 9.6 years old.
Study coauthor Dr. Jennifer Crosbie emphasized the importance of recognizing these mental health risks, noting that while physical recovery has improved, long-term mental health impacts remain a significant concern. The research suggests that children discharged after stroke recovery may continue to experience lingering anxiety and other psychological challenges.
Dr. Heather J. Fullerton, who was not involved in the study, highlighted the novel finding of high somatization rates—where anxiety manifests through physical symptoms like stomach aches and minor pains. She recommended proactive mental health screening for all childhood stroke survivors older than two years.
The study's limitations include being conducted at a single site and relying solely on questionnaire-based assessments. However, the findings provide crucial insights into the potential mental health trajectory of children who experience stroke, potentially guiding future clinical approaches and family support strategies.
