Stroke in Young Patients: Epidemiology, Manifestations, Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Stroke ranks fifth among the leading causes of death and is considered one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality. However, its incidence has been decreasing in the general population in recent decades. Nevertheless, in the young adult population (18-44 years) the incidence and global burden of stroke has increased due also to the increase of traditional risk factors in this population. Its etiology is varied and may differ from the most frequent causes in older adults (>65 years), in addition to the fact that in its clinical presentation there may be atypical manifestations, making its diagnosis delayed compared to older adults. Regarding its management, medical and surgical treatment is similar to that performed in the elderly, although the evidence shows better results in terms of treatment complications. However, the prognosis of stroke in the young adult is not as favorable as previously thought, as well as in mortality and physical/psychosocial consequences.