A stroke is a sudden and severe complication of sickle cell anemia. The most common cause of a stroke in children with sickle cell anemia is cerebral infarction (b1ockage of the oxygen supply to the brain by sickled cells). Strokes occur in six to 12 percent of individuals with sickle cell anemia, more commonly between three and 10 years of age.

A stroke may occur with a painful episode or an infection, but in most cases there are no related illnesses. Although recovery from a stroke may be complete in some cases, frequently the stroke can cause brain damage, paralysis, convulsions, coma and even death.

Repeat strokes occur in at least 60 percent of the children who have already suffered one stroke. A repeat stroke causes greater brain damage and increases the risk of death. To prevent recurrent strokes, blood transfusions are often given at four or five week intervals.. It is not known how long these transfusions must be given to prevent another stroke from occurring.

Origin and Distribution of Sickle Cell Disease, Genetics, Sickle Red Blood Cells, Infections ,Splenic Sequestration, Pain, Chest Syndrome, Aplastic Crisis, Strokes, Gall Stones and Jaundice, Growth and Development, Retinopathy, Priapism