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Stroke in young adults: epidemiology.
1Stroke Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Genetics, University of Genoa, Via A. De Toni 5, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
Summary
Juvenile stroke is rare, affecting fewer than 5% of patients under 45 in Western Europe. Specific conditions like atrial septal defects and thrombophilia are key factors in young stroke patients with cerebral infarction.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Stroke in individuals under 45 years old is uncommon, representing less than 5% of all stroke cases in Western European populations.
- The incidence of juvenile stroke is approximately 10 per 100,000 in Italy, with an estimated 3,300 new cases annually.
- Higher incidence rates of stroke in the young have been observed in the United States and developing nations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of stroke in young individuals.
- To identify potential risk factors and contributing conditions associated with juvenile stroke.
Main Methods:
- Population-based epidemiological analysis.
- Review of existing Italian and international stroke incidence data.
- Comparative analysis of stroke subtypes in young versus older populations.
Main Results:
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage is more prevalent in younger stroke patients compared to the general stroke population.
- In young patients experiencing cerebral infarction, atrial septal defects and inherited thrombophilic disorders are significant contributing factors.
- Incidence rates vary geographically, with higher rates noted in the US and developing countries.
Conclusions:
- Juvenile stroke, while rare, has distinct epidemiological patterns and associated risk factors.
- Identifying conditions such as atrial septal defects and thrombophilia is crucial for managing and potentially preventing stroke in young individuals.