Young and at risk: The rising incidence of stroke among adolescents

It seems that no one is really too young to have a stroke.

Image Source: theweek.com

A recent study published in the journal Neurology found that the proportion of young people who are having stroke increased from one in eight stroke patients in the mid-‘90s to one in five in just over a decade. This supports a previous report that found trends toward increasing stroke incidence in younger adults (age 20 to 54). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also noted a steep increase in stroke incidence among people in their 30s and 40s.

Many factors have been recognized that raise the incidence of stroke among young adults. These include the usual cardiac risk factors: obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Abuse of alcohol and drugs are also contributing factors. People prone to migraines also have a somewhat higher risk of stroke. Recently, a study noted how being depressed nearly doubled the risk for stroke among young women.

Image Source: nytimes.com

 Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States with more than 800,000 people dying annually from strokes and cardiovascular disease. Medical experts advocate healthy living to cut down stroke risk among young adults. Moreover, recognizing the signs of stroke is vital to recovery. The National Stroke Association’s Five Sudden, Severe Symptoms campaign provides stroke signs people should watch out for, including a sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

Video Source: nbcnews.com

Physiatrist Dr. Mary Kneiser works with patients’ post-stroke rehabilitation. More information on stroke rehabilitation is available at this website.