Strokes Becoming More Common Among Young People

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Strokes are becoming more common among those you wouldn't expect: young people.

In fact, at a large metropolitan referral center, it is not uncommon.

"A significant percentage of our patients are young, below the age of 50 having strokes," says Allegheny General Hospital stroke neurologist Dr. Ashish Tayal.

In a study published in the journal Lancet, based on a hundred studies from 1990 to 2010 and computer modeling, researchers determined the incidence of stroke is up 25 percent in people ages 20 to 44.

This age group also makes up almost a third of all strokes.

Stroke is when part of your brain goes without blood flow because of a blocked or broken blood vessel.

Brain tissue gets damaged and depending on where this occurs, you can be left with weakness, numbness, blindness or speech troubles.

"It's much more important now to see physicians, get health screenings to identify risk factors at younger ages," advises Dr. Tayal.

Risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and clotting disorders. Your doctor can then develop an individualized plan to reduce your risk.

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