Thank you so much I really worry about him. especially since they don't know what caused his stroke. I also know that there isn't really anything we can do to prevent them, again thank you
Big brother
Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.
Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I cannot tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.
You mention that your son had a heart surgery at age 3 ½ months, and has evidence of an old stroke in the left basal ganglia. Babies born with heart problems (congenital heart defects) may be at an increased risk of having strokes before, during, or after surgery, for a variety of reasons. MRIs can show evidence of old brain injuries, such as strokes, but do not give an exact time/date that the injury occurred. The basal ganglia are structures located deep inside the brain that are important for controlling movement. If your son had a stroke in the left basal ganglia then it could cause weakness and movement problems on the right side of the body as you described.
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are brief episodes of stroke symptoms (weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, etc) caused by blockages in the blood vessels of the brain which completely resolve on their own. The symptoms of a TIA will not last more than 24h, and unlike a stroke, do not cause brain tissue to die. TIAs can be a warning sign that someone is at an increased risk of a stroke.
I am unsure if the events you describe are truly TIAs, but I agree with you that they are concerning, and your son deserves to be evaluated by a neurologist. Children with a history of heart problems and old strokes are at risk for further neurologic problems, including developmental delays, intellectual disability, seizures, and weakness and movement problems. Further, children with heart problems may also be at increased risk for additional TIAs and strokes. The problems you describe may not be caused by new injuries, but may be manifestations of old injuries to the brain. A neurologist may wish to run further tests to better understand exactly what is going on now. Also, if your son is followed by a cardiologist (heart doctor), he or she may need to run tests to make sure the heart is functioning normally as well.
Obtaining a timely appointment with a pediatric neurologist can be difficult. If it would be convenient for you to visit the Cleveland, OH area, you may call 866-588-2264 to inquire about an appointment with our Pediatric Neurology department.
Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided to be useful. Good luck.