Stroke in Young Adults in Asia

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Genetics

Background:

• Stroke significantly impacts young adults (18-49 years) globally, with Asia bearing a substantial disease burden.
• This demographic experiences both ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage, carrying long-term physical and socioeconomic consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology, risk factors, genetic contributions, evaluation, management, and outcomes of stroke in young adults specifically within the Asian context.
• To synthesize recent literature on stroke in young Asian populations.

Main Methods:

• Overview of recent literature from various Asian countries.
• Analysis of population and hospital-level data to identify common and unique stroke etiologies in young adults.
• Synthesis of information on genetic factors, traditional risk factors, and socioeconomic influences.

Main Results:

• Intracerebral hemorrhage in young adults is associated with poorer prognosis and outcomes compared to ischemic stroke.
• Stroke prevention strategies and rapid access to acute reperfusion and interventional therapies are vital for younger patients.
• Complex interactions between genetic factors, traditional risk factors, and unique etiologies characterize stroke in young Asians.

Conclusions:

• Stroke in young adults in Asia is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and traditional risk factors, alongside unique etiologies.
• Socioeconomic status and healthcare access significantly affect patient care and outcomes.
• Further research is essential to reduce mortality, improve primary and secondary prevention, and explore advanced diagnostics like next-generation sequencing for cryptogenic strokes.