On World Sickle Cell Day, Firstpost speaks with Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology at Fortis Hospital. Dr Gupta provides insights into the neurological challenges individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) face. In this interview, he discusses the primary neurological complications, neurodevelopmental challenges in children, and the importance of early intervention and support systems.
Dr Gupta’s expertise highlights how medical care and community support can improve the quality of life for those with this condition. What are the primary neurological complications associated with sickle cell disease? The primary neurological complications in sickle cell disease include silent cerebral infarctions, ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, moyamoya syndrome, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, cerebral fat embolism, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. These complications can lead to seizures, headaches, cognitive impairment, walking difficulty and balance impairment.
What are common neurodevelopmental challenges faced by children with SCD? Children with sickle cell disease often face major challenges such as cognitive impairment, difficulties with attention, memory, and learning, imbalance while walking, recurrent headaches, seizures and decreased coordination between mind and body. What early intervention strategies are recommended to support neurodevelopment in children with SCD? Cognitive impairment in SCD can result from strokes or recurrent sile.
