Prevalence and Predictors of Learning and Psychological Diagnoses Following Pediatric Arterial Ischemic Stroke

ABSTRACT

This study examined the prevalence of learning and psychological diagnoses and associated neurological and personal-environmental risk factors following perinatal and childhood arterial ischemic stroke. In our sample of 126 children and youth, 52.4% received a diagnosis following their assessment. Specifically, 32% had a single diagnosis and 21% had two or more diagnoses. Learning disability, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disability were the most prevalent diagnoses. Associated risk factors varied by diagnosis with lower intellectual functioning being the common risk factor across categories. Seizure status was associated with intellectual disability whereas family history was related to ADHD and comorbid diagnoses.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the support and mentorship of Drs. Mahendranath Moharir and Daune McGregor for their continuous support of children with stroke and their families.

Funding /Grant Awarding Bodies

This work is supported by the Medical Psychiatry Alliance a collective health partnership of the University of Toronto, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Hospital for Sick Children, Trillium Health Partners, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and an anonymous donor.

Additional information

Funding

This work is supported by the Medical Psychiatry Alliance a collective health partnership of the University of Toronto, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Hospital for Sick Children, Trillium Health Partners, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and an anonymous donor.