You might know of an older person who’s had a stroke and think that only the elderly are at risk. The fact is: Stroke can happen at any age — and there are a variety of risk factors associated with having a stroke earlier in life.
Many young adults are unprepared when a stroke occurs and may not recognize its symptoms or seek care in time. Here’s what to know about stroke in young people.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow is cut off to an area of the brain. Also known as a “brain attack,” a stroke can prevent oxygen from reaching the brain, resulting in brain cell death and possibly brain damage. The extent of the damage depends on the size and type of stroke. People may experience only temporary weakness after having a stroke, but some may be permanently disabled or die from it.
What Causes a Stroke?
There are two types of strokes — ischemic and hemorrhagic.
An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot that cuts off blood flow to an area of the brain. The most common type of stroke, ischemic stroke makes up about 87% of all strokes. It is most often caused by cardiovascular risk factors and/or cardiac dysrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation.
The different types of ischemic stroke are:
- Embolic strokes — which occur when plaque or a clot travel to the brain from another part of the body and get stuck in a blood vessel in the brain.
- Thrombotic strokes — happen when a blood clot forms in an artery of the brain.
- Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or “mini-strokes” — are a temporary loss of blood flow to a part of the brain. Any narrowing in an artery carrying blood to the brain, such as a clot, plaque, or arterial defect — can cause a TIA. Of individuals who experience a TIA, 40% will have a stroke, and almost half of all strokes occur within a few days of a TIA.
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood leaks into the brain or between the brain and the skull. These strokes happen when an artery leading to the brain bursts. The most common cause is high blood pressure weakening artery walls.
How Often Does Stroke Occur in Young Adults?
Although the majority of people who suffer a stroke are older than 65, prevalence of stroke among adults younger than age 45 has increased by about 15%.
Infants, children, teenagers, and young adults can experience stroke. A stroke can develop unexpectedly – so learn how to recognize the signs and react quickly.
Know the Symptoms of Stroke in Young Adults
To help you determine if someone is having a stroke, use the acronym F.A.S.T. which stands for:
- Face – Is their face drooping on one side?
- Arms – Do they have difficulty raising both arms?
- Speech – Is their speech slurred? Can they repeat a simple phrase?
- Time – If the answer is yes to any of the above questions, call 911 as soon as possible.
Symptoms that can accompany a stroke include:
- Dizziness.
- Numbness on one side of the body.
- Headaches.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Vision changes.
The symptoms of stroke in young adults are the same as those in older people. Do not wait to see if the stroke symptoms go away on their own. Call 911 – even if you are unsure if someone is experiencing the symptoms of a stroke.
What Happens if You Have a Stroke?
There are many issues that may happen after a stroke. Most are common and will improve with time and rehabilitation. Common physical conditions after a stroke include:
- Weakness, paralysis, and problems with balance or coordination.
- Pain, numbness, burning, or tingling sensations.
- Fatigue, which may continue after you return home.
- Inattention to one side of the body, also known as neglect; in extreme cases, you may not be aware of your arm or leg.
- Urinary or bowel incontinence.
- Speech problems or difficulty understanding speech, reading, or writing.
- Swallowing difficulty.
- Memory problems, poor attention span, or difficulty solving problems.
- Visual problems.
- Depression, anxiety, or mood swings with emotional outbursts.
- Difficulty recognizing limitations caused by the stroke.
Risk Factors for Stroke in Young People
There are several factors that can cause stroke in young adults. Risk factors that increase the chance of having a stroke as a young adult include:
- Cardiovascular risk factors — including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease
- Lifestyle risk factors — including tobacco use, episodic excessive alcohol or illicit drug use, including cocaine and heroin.
- Inherited thrombophilia and acquired prothrombotic or hypercoagulable states.
- Patent foramen ovale — a congenital heart condition.
- Carotid or vertebral artery dissection.
- Vasculopathy or vasculitis.
- Use of oral contraceptives.
- Migraine with aura.
In older people and the elderly, strokes often are the result of blood clots that travel to the brain or clogged arteries that prevent proper blood flow.
What can trigger a stroke?
Although it can take years for arteries to harden, certain lifestyle habits – such as smoking, heavy drug use, and a poor diet – can quicken the process, potentially resulting in a stroke at a young age.
Even though these factors increase the stroke risk of young adults, there are still many unknown causes of stroke in those under 45, including both inherited and acquired conditions.
Stroke Prevention: How to Reduce Your Risk
A stroke can occur at any age, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.
One of the most important ways to protect yourself from stroke is by maintaining a healthy diet and weight, which also helps lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Important ways you can lower your stroke risk include:
- Following up regularly with your primary care provider.
- Getting regular exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week.
- Kicking unhealthy habits, such as smoking and excessive drinking.
- Managing and monitoring any known heart conditions with the help of your doctor.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .