Young people at increasing risk for stroke

According to a consensus statement from the American Academy of Neurology published in the journal Neurology, more young people are at risk for stroke.

Fifteen percent of the most common type of strokes occur in adolescents and young adults. It is estimated that between 532,000 and 852,000 persons ages 18 to 44 in the United States have had a stroke.

U.S. hospital discharges for stroke among persons ages 15 to 44 increased 23 to 53 percent between 1995-96 and 2007-08, depending on age and gender of the group.

About 85 percent of all strokes are ischemic, meaning they are caused by blockages preventing blood from flowing to the brain.

Risks for ischemic stroke include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, abnormal cholesterol levels, congenital heart disease and smoking -- risk factors which have become more common in young people.

Jose Biller, neurologist at Loyola University Medical Center, co-authored the report on the recognition, evaluation and management of ischemic stroke in young adults and adolescents.

"The impact of strokes in this age group is devastating to the adolescent or young adult, their families and society," Biller said.

Strokes in young people have a disproportionate economic impact, as they can cut short or altogether eliminate a patient's most productive years.

The consensus report said that "younger survivors may be dealing with relationships, careers and raising children -- issues that require additional awareness and resources,"