While you may typically associate strokes with older adults, the truth is that anyone at any age can suddenly have a stroke. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, the rate of strokes in individuals under the age of 50 is rising. In the United States alone, stroke diagnoses have increased by 40% among young adults over the last few decades. Even more surprising, 10 to 15% of strokes occur in young adults aged 18 to 50.
The Causes and Warning Signs of Stroke In Young People
There are several factors that have led to this increase in stroke incidents in younger adults. As well as the usual factors that affect people in general, such as diabetes, blood clots, and high blood pressure, young adults additionally face unique factors such as genetics, pregnancy, and lifestyle. These factors include obesity, smoking, binge drinking, drug use, and high cholesterol levels. Another high-risk factor is if the patient already has sickle cell disease. In fact, almost a quarter of individuals diagnosed with this condition suffer a stroke before they turn 4 years of age. Let’s take a look at five stroke signs to look out for in young adults.
Intense Headaches
A big warning sign is if you suddenly experience an intense headache, unlike anything you have ever felt before. This kind of abrupt and intense headache could be the result of a blood vessel rupture in the brain, known as a hemorrhagic stroke. This type of bleeding can lead to neurological deterioration very quickly, so it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. While experiencing the occasional heading is nothing to worry about, if you start having these sudden and very painful headaches, book an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can.
Numbness or Weakness
Another sign of a stroke is if you suddenly feel numb, weak, or experience a tingling sensation, especially on just one side of your body. This happens when the flow of blood to a certain part of your brain is cut off, resulting in the death of that area’s brain cells. The symptoms of the damage will differ in each patient depending on which part of their brain suffered damage. For example, if the person had a stroke that affected the part of the brain responsible for motor function control, then the symptoms would be unilateral weakness or even paralysis.
Issues Speaking Or Understanding
Significant signs to look out for are difficulty speaking, issues understanding what people are saying, and sudden confusion. These symptoms appear when the parts of the brain in charge of language are damaged as a result of interrupted blood flow. This usually results in slurred speech, difficulty finding the right words when speaking, and even complete loss of ability to speak. However, sometimes the symptoms are very subtle and may not be noticed at first. If you do notice small changes in speech, seek medical advice to determine whether you need treatment.
Issues With Vision
Another sign of a stroke is issues with your vision, such as double vision, blurred vision, and loss of vision in one or both eyes. These issues usually occur when a stroke affects the areas of the brain responsible for interpreting visual information. For instance, an ischemic stroke in the occipital lobe can result in vision loss in one of your eyes or visual field damage. It’s very important to see a medical professional as soon as you notice any changes in your vision. This can prevent any further damage to your sight and potentially even save your life.
Loss of Balance and Coordination
If you suddenly have difficulty walking, feel dizzy, and struggle with your coordination, you may be having a stroke. These symptoms occur when the part of your brain that controls balance, the cerebellum, is affected by a stroke. Additionally, people find it difficult to stand upright, they stumble around a lot when trying to walk, or they experience vertigo. It’s quite easy to dismiss these symptoms as resulting from an inner ear disorder or something else more benign. However, it’s important to visit your doctor to determine the source of your loss of balance and provide treatment if needed.