Stroke in young adults rising: Expert

 Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability, says expert. Stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, either by a clot (Ischemic stroke) or a burst (hemorrhagic stroke) in the blood vessel.
On occasion of World Stroke Day, Dr B Lakshmi Anusha, Consultant-Neurology, Aster Ramesh Hospitals, Vijayawada, highlighted the recent trend of stroke in young adults in the age group of 40s and 50s.
“When we talk about stroke we usually think of older people with risk factors like atherosclerotic disease, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Although the cause is unknown, the incidence of stroke in young adults has been increasing in the recent years.
She said that diagnosing stroke is of utmost importance for younger patients because of impact of a prolonged disability period on the career and family unit. Stroke is a condition that affects the quality of life. It is paramount to raise awareness regarding stroke as younger patients often don’t expect to be at risk, which leads to delays in seeking medical help.
One of the most promising advancements in stroke care is the extension of the treatment window beyond the traditional 4.5 hours. In certain cases, particularly with new imaging technologies, doctors can assess whether brain tissue is still salvageable even after the standard window has passed. Now, with the help of advanced imaging techniques, we can sometimes treat patients even beyond 12 hours of stroke onset. This has been a game-changer for many who couldn’t make it to the hospital in time. However, the success of these treatments still hinges on having the right setup and expertise in place. This late-window treatment opens doors for stroke patients who, in the past, would have been considered beyond help. Surgical techniques, such as thrombectomy, offer hope for a better recovery when performed within this extended timeframe. The critical factor remains rapid transportation to a hospital equipped with these capabilities or a stroke-ready hospital.
Despite these advances in treatment, prevention remains the best strategy. Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing conditions like hypertension and diabetes, are essential to lowering stroke risk. Simple steps like standing up frequently during long periods of sitting, reducing salt intake, and managing stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques can make a significant difference. The goal of World Stroke Day is to raise awareness on the risks and symptoms of stroke, especially in younger populations. With better awareness and access to advanced treatment, the hope is that fewer people, regardless of age, will face the long-term consequences of a stroke. The message is clear: time is brain, and the right treatment at the right time and the right place can mean the difference between a full recovery and lifelong disability.