Why Brain strokes happen more in youngsters

What Makes Young People More Susceptible To Brain Strokes?

In today’s world, diseases don’t come with age like they used to before. We are witnessing conditions like diabetes, cholesterol, heart issues, etc in young people today, and the rates at which they are growing are alarming. Another such disease that is no longer just your grandparents’ concern is brain stroke. In this article, we’ll talk about how and why young people fall prey to this health condition.

What Is Brain Stroke?

Brain stroke (also known as stroke or brain attack) occurs when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This prevents tissues in the brain to obtain the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. Even if the blood supply stops for a few seconds, brain cells begin to die.

A stroke is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical assistance.

Symptoms Of Brain Stroke

Symptoms of a stroke show up in the parts of the body that are controlled by the damaged areas of the brain (areas in which the blood flow is restricted). The most common symptoms may include:

• Paralysis
• Numbing or weakening of the arm, face, and leg
• Trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Confusion
• Vision problems
• Trouble walking
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Dizziness
• Drooping on one side of the face
• Severe and sudden headache

What Makes Stroke A Youngster Problem Today?

Today, a significant number of young people are falling prey to strokes that were once thought to be a problem for the elderly. Several pieces of evidence suggest that a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, illicit drug, excess alcohol intake, lack of exercise, and other lifestyle-related issues are a few of the major reasons that cause stroke in young people.

Apart from that, genetic conditions and arterial dissection — small tears in an artery — can also lead to strokes in youngsters.

Following are some other inherited causes responsible for strokes in young people:

• Congenital Heart Disease: The heart pumps blood in the body and to the brain as well, any conditions that cause structural abnormalities to the heart or lead to irregular heart rhythms, increase the risks of strokes.
• Blood Clotting: Health conditions that increase the tendency of the RBCs and platelets to clot instead of flowing through the body, puts an individual at risk of stroke.
• Sickle Cell Disease: Deformed sickle cells can block the arteries and the blood vessels, which in turn can block the blood flow to the brain.

Preventing Strokes

Strokes can be prevented by making simple lifestyle moderations and following a healthy-living approach. Some basic preventive measures include:

• Controlling high blood pressure or hypertension
• Managing diabetes
• Reducing the intake of cholesterol and saturated fats
• Quitting smoking and tobacco use
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a healthy and balanced diet
• Exercising regularly
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Avoiding illegal drugs

Dr. Changala Praveen

MD (GEN.MEDICINE), DM (NEUROLOGY)

Consultant - Neurophysician

Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the organization.