Characteristics of Stroke in Young Adults in Southwest England

For many decades, stroke has been regarded as a health condition that affects only older individuals. However, recent studies have proven otherwise by showing that stroke significantly affects younger adults. This study comprehensively characterises stroke in a young adult population presenting at the Bristol Royal Infirmary Stroke Unit in Southwest England. Through a retrospective cohort analysis of 460 patients aged 18 – 55 years using SSNAP data from 2013 to 2021, the research sought to determine the frequency of stroke, identify risk factors, assess clinical presentations, and provide recommendations for improved care. The results of this study indicate that ischaemic stroke is the most common type, with a range of clinical presentations from mild to severe, which differs from older patients who may experience more severe presentations. In addition to traditional risk factors like hypertension, atrial fibrillation and smoking, young adults have unique risk factors like cardiac abnormalities such as patent foramen ovale (PFO), genetic disorders, arterial dissection and migraine. Lifestyle factors like alcohol and illicit drug use were also found to be significant in the results. The findings indicate that young stroke patients often have different risk profiles compared to older individuals. The treatment data revealed that thrombectomy, thrombolysis, and surgery, were used less frequently in young adults in the study. Although 20 patients (11 females, 9 males) did not survive within 30 days of hospitalization, the statistical analysis revealed no significant influence of age or gender on survival rates. The results of this research emphasize the importance of early detection and tailored interventions that are focused on specific risk factors prevalent in young adults. These include targeted screening for genetic disorders and cardiac abnormalities, which are commoner in younger stroke patients, could lead to earlier diagnosis and preventive measures. Additionally, addressing lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption and illicit drug use through specialised counseling and intervention programs is crucial to reduce the risk of stroke in young adults. In conclusion, the contributions of this research provide valuable insights into the epidemiology, risk factors, and management of stroke in young adults, as well as inform future research and clinical practice