A child presents with new-onset right-sided weakness, slurred speech, and headache.

Sickle cell anemiais strongly associated withpediatric stroke, especially in children with HbSS. Sickled red cells can occlude cerebral vessels, leading toischemic strokes—often presenting withfocal deficits, such as hemiparesis or speech changes.

“Children with sickle cell anemia are at significantly increased risk for ischemic stroke. Stroke is a major neurologic complication, particularly in those with prior vaso-occlusive episodes.”

(Referenced from CCRN Pediatric – Direct Care: Neurological, Hemoglobinopathies and Stroke Risk)