This is a case study of two children with sickle cell anemia and neurological complications. An extensive series of neuropsychological tests - NEPSY was used in the evaluation of the children. One child had suffered an ischemic stroke with left hemiparesis and the other, transient ischemic attack. The neuropsychological assessment showed extensive cognitive damage in the first case, in contrast to mild impairment in the second. Low scores were found for tasks of visual attention, operational memory, language, cognitive flexibility and for sensory-motor, visuospatial and visuoconstructive skills. Low intellectual and academic performance was found in the patient who suffered ischemic stroke. The child who suffered transient ischemic attack showed motor and oromotor dyspraxia, and decreased visual attention and verbal memory. These findings corroborate published data and reinforce both the importance of identifying the types of changes in patients and providing early intervention when there is any learning disability, thereby minimizing the impact of neurological complications during cognitive, academic and psychosocial developmen.
Stroke; ischemic attack; transient; anemia; child
