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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
The cause and prognosis of strokes in people under 50 years
Insights
Younger patients experiencing transient ischemic attacks (TIA) have a lower risk of future stroke. However, those with initial completed strokes face a high risk of recurrence, especially with underlying vascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and reversible ischemic neurological deficit (RIND) affect individuals across various age groups.
- Understanding long-term outcomes and recurrence risks in younger populations is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term risk of recurrent stroke and mortality in patients aged 10-49 years who experienced a first-ever stroke, TIA, or RIND.
- To identify factors influencing the risk of a second stroke in this specific demographic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 192 patient cases diagnosed with stroke, TIA, or RIND between 1961 and 1979.
- Follow-up of 189 patients for up to 15 years to assess outcomes, including recurrent stroke and mortality.
Main Results:
- Atheromatous or hypertensive vascular disease was the primary cause of initial events.
- 21% of patients with an initial completed stroke experienced a second stroke, compared to only 5% of those with TIA.
- The risk of a second stroke was significantly higher (around 20%) in patients with evidence of vascular disease.
Conclusions:
- The risk of stroke following TIA is lower in individuals under 50 compared to older populations.
- The risk of a second stroke after an initial event is strongly associated with the presence of underlying vascular disease, indicating a need for targeted preventive strategies.
Abstract:
A study of 192 personal cases of completed stroke, reversible ischaemic neurological deficit (RIND) or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in patients aged 10-49 years seen between 1961 ad 1979 inclusive is reported. Three died acutely; 189 were followed for up to 15 years. The main cause of the initial event was atheromatous or hypertensive vascular disease. Of the 90 patients whose initial event was a completed stroke 19(21%) developed a second stroke, whereas only 4 of the 78 patients with TIA suffered a stroke later. In the entire series there were 6 cardiac deaths and one from mesenteric thrombosis during the follow-up period. The risk of stroke following TIA is less in persons under 50 years than in the older age group. The risk of a second stroke following an initial stroke depends on whether or not there is evidence of vascular disease. In the absence of such evidence the risk is small; in the presence of evidence it is high, being of the order of 20%.
Related Concept Videos
Stroke: Introduction and Types
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

