Significant motor improvement in an infant with congenital heart disease and a rolandic stroke: The impact of early intervention. (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gallagher, Anne; Dagenais, Lynn; Doussau, Amélie; Décarie, Jean-Claude; Materassi, Manuela; Gagnon, Karine; Prud'homme, Joelle; Vobecky, Suzanne; Poirier, Nancy; Carmant, Lionel
• Is Part Of: Developmental neurorehabilitation. Volume 20:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 165
• Page End: 168
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: Congenital heart disease (CHD) -- early intervention -- motor -- neuroplasticity -- stroke; Children with disabilities -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 615.542
• DOI: 10.3109/17518423.2015.1132280
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8423

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective : To report the impact of early motor intervention in an infant with congenital heart disease (CHD) and a stroke. Methods and Results : A 35-week newborn with a complex CHD and a normal MRI presented with early motor developmental delay at 2 months. She began an intervention program, which included biweekly motor developmental therapy with a physiotherapist, parental education, and daily home exercises. At 4 months, she underwent cardiac surgery. Following surgery, she was diagnosed with a stroke involving the right sylvian artery territory. She continued her intensive intervention program. The 12-month assessment revealed an evident gain of motor function. Despite MRI evidence of a chronic infarct involving the primary motor cortex, the child had normal motor functions. Conclusion : This case report supports the positive impact of early intervention in infants with CHD and its potential effect on enhancing neuroplasticity, even in children with cerebro-vascular accidents involving areas of motor function.