Wired to Heal: Hope for Recovery After Pediatric Stroke

April 13

Episode 41: Wired to Heal: Hope for Recovery After Pediatric Stroke

On this episode of "Stronger After Stroke," host and stroke nurse navigator Rosa Hart interviews Catherine P. Schuster, M.D., a pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with Norton Children's. From her years of experience helping patients under age 18 live their best life after stroke, Dr. Schuster explains that pediatric stroke is less common than adult stroke but that rehabilitation teams typically get involved with nearly all cases, starting in the hospital soon after the event and continuing through inpatient rehab, outpatient follow-up and long-term goal-making as children grow.

Dr. Schuster highlights key rehab focuses, such as early positioning to prevent secondary complications; managing the transition from flaccid weakness to tightness with stretches, braces, medications and injections; and adapting tasks with tools and creative problem-solving. She emphasizes children's resilience, the importance of repeatedly asking about resources and options, navigating insurance, and finding pediatric rehab services at major children's hospitals, especially Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Centers.

Dr. Schuster is assistant professor of pediatric rehabilitation medicine with the University of Louisville Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She is dual board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and in pediatric rehabilitation medicine. Dr. Schuster gathers expertise from a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals to offer a comprehensive approach to caring for children and adolescents with conditions affecting motor development, function and independence. Through use of state-of-the-art equipment, advanced rehabilitation techniques and access to progressive research, she is committed to bringing each child to their highest level of function possible for their specific condition.

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For more support after stroke, check out the programs available virtually and in person through Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/resource-center/

If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare's "MedChat" podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. "MedChat" provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians.

Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit health care system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com.

Date of original release: April 13, 2026