$Unique_ID{BRK00882}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{Is it Possible for a Young Person to Suffer a Stroke?}
$Subject{stroke young adults causes aneurysm}
$Volume{G-4}
$Log{
Figure 1*0009301.scf
Figure 2*0009302.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is it Possible for a Young Person to Suffer a Stroke?


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QUESTION:  Is it possible for a young person, say 29 years old, to suffer a
stroke?  If they can occur, what causes them?

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ANSWER:  Yes, strokes happen to young people.  "Young people" here is defined
as those under the age of 45.  About three percent of all strokes happen to
people in that age group.  Reportedly most are caused by fatty deposits in the
arteries (atherosclerosis) in the brain, disorders of arteries in the brain
due to conditions other than such deposits, and certain blood diseases.
     No one knows exactly what causes atherosclerosis, but research studies
have shown that people who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, and high
cholesterol levels, and those who smoke cigarettes are most likely to develop
it.
     Other major possible causes in young people include:  blood clots, blows
to--or near--the head from blunt or sharp objects, diseases of the arteries in
the head caused by many different conditions such as syphilis, congenital
conditions such as aneurysm, and sickle cell diseases.
     Additionally, prolonged, heavy use of alcohol can cause strokes in people
of all ages.
     Among young women, strokes have been associated with taking of oral
contraceptives.  The risks from those medicines appear to increase in women
over age 45 who:  take oral contraceptives for long periods of time, those who
smoke, have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol, plus those who are
diabetic.
     The only way to know accurately what has caused a stroke is for a
physician to take a complete medical history and give an extensive physical
exam.  As with most illnesses, prevention is the best medicine.  Follow your
doctor's suggestions precisely concerning stroke prevention, and all other
medical problems.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
