Neurological Complications in Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is a common inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. It is a hemoglobinopathy characterized by hemoglobin polymerization, erythrocyte stiffening, and subsequent vaso-occlusions. These changes can lead to microcirculation obstructions, tissue ischemia, infarction and acute stroke. In addition, chronic cerebral ischemia and cerebral vascular anomalies are considered among the most disabling problems in sickle cell disease. Neurological complications of sickle cell disease include, Ischaemic Stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, silent cerebral infarction, headache, Moyamoya disease, neuropathic pain, and neurocognitive impairment. Early diagnosis and proper management of sickle cell disease neurological complications require specialised hematological and neurological experties. The newly used medications under ongoing research foster the hope to overcome this devastating disease and its complications.