Stroke is one of the most devastating complications of sickle cell anemia (SCA), and risk of stroke starts very early in life. Before screening techniques were available, 11% of children with homozygous SCA had ischemic stroke by their 20th birthday. Although most children with SCA will have neurologic recovery after stroke, approximately one-third will have long-term neurologic sequelae, including motor impairment. Moreover, children with SCA who have had a stroke often have neurocognitive impairment and difficulties with academic performance.
