Strokes In Teenagers: Understanding The Risks And Signs

can 14 year olds have a stroke

Strokes are often thought of as something that only happens to older adults, but they can occur in children and teenagers too. Although rare, strokes in teenagers are possible and can be caused by underlying health conditions that increase stroke risk, such as high blood pressure, blood clots, diabetes, sickle cell disease, head injuries, and drug use. It is important to be aware of the signs of a stroke, which can include severe head pain, sudden weakness, and slurred speech, and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur.

Characteristics Values
Can 14-year-olds have a stroke? Yes, although it is uncommon.
Most common type of stroke in teens Ischemic stroke
Other types of stroke Hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
Risk factors Underlying health conditions, blood disorders, heart conditions, infections, head injury, medications, recreational drugs, hormonal changes, sickle cell anemia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, migraines, hemophilia, inborn blood vessel abnormalities, heart disease or heart malformations
Symptoms Trouble understanding, sudden change in physical or cognitive function, severe head pain, sudden weakness, slurred speech, seizures, vision problems, nausea and vomiting, confusion, mood or behavioral changes, trouble with schoolwork
Diagnosis Doctors will take a detailed medical history and run a series of tests, including brain imaging scans, blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT scan), spinal tap
Treatment Blood thinners, thrombolytic medications, antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, surgeries, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, blood transfusions

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Risk factors: high blood pressure, blood clots, diabetes, lifestyle, pregnancy, genetics

Risk factors for stroke

Strokes are caused by blocked blood flow to the brain or sudden bleeding in the brain. While strokes are rare in teenagers, they can be caused by underlying health conditions such as blood disorders, heart conditions, infections, or head injuries.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke and can lead to blocked arteries or make them weaker, causing them to break. Untreated high blood pressure can also disrupt blood vessels and may cause heart disease or stroke.

Blood clots

Diabetes can lead to high blood sugar and high levels of blood fats, which can increase the risk of blood clots. Blood clots can also be caused by sickle cell disease and heart and blood conditions such as atrial fibrillation.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are twice as likely to have a stroke as those without diabetes. They also tend to develop heart disease or have a stroke at an earlier age. Prediabetes is also an increased risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Lifestyle

Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as drinking too much alcohol, getting too much sleep, and using illegal drugs may raise the risk of stroke. Not doing enough physical activity is the second biggest risk factor for stroke as it can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Pregnancy

The risk of stroke is nearly tripled in pregnancy and carries through the weeks immediately following birth. Blood clotting, which can lead to stroke, occurs more frequently during pregnancy, and complications such as preeclampsia and gestational hypertension may raise the risk of bleeding in the brain.

Genetics

Family history and genetics play a role in the risk of stroke. The risk of having a stroke is higher if a parent or other family member has had a stroke, particularly at a younger age. Certain genes also affect stroke risk, including those that determine blood type. People with blood type AB have a higher risk of stroke.

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Types: ischemic, hemorrhagic, transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Strokes are possible in teenagers, though uncommon. There are three main types of strokes: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic strokes are the most common type in teens and adults. They occur when an artery that supplies blood flow to the brain is blocked, often due to a blood clot. This blockage prevents oxygen and other essential substances from reaching the brain, resulting in the death of brain cells and permanent brain damage.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Hemorrhagic strokes happen when an artery in the brain breaks or bursts, flooding the brain with blood and damaging brain cells. This type of stroke puts pressure on brain cells, causing further damage.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are sometimes called "mini strokes." They occur when the blood flow to the brain is blocked for short periods of time. TIAs are considered warning signs of a potential future stroke and should not be ignored.

While strokes are less common in younger individuals, they can still occur and have serious consequences. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a stroke, such as severe head pain, sudden weakness, or slurred speech, and seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms are present.

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Symptoms: arm weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, nausea, vomiting seizures

While strokes are uncommon in teenagers, they are possible. The same symptoms that indicate a stroke in adults can also indicate a stroke in teens. These symptoms include:

  • Arm weakness
  • Confusion
  • Trouble speaking
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seizures

Arm Weakness

Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body, can be a sign of a stroke. This can be tested using the National Stroke Association's acronym FAST: ask the person to raise both arms; if one arm drifts downward, this could be a warning sign of a stroke.

Confusion

Confusion can be a symptom of a stroke, and may also be accompanied by trouble speaking or understanding.

Trouble Speaking

People experiencing a stroke may have trouble speaking or understanding. They may also have slurred speech.

Nausea and Vomiting

Sudden nausea or vomiting not caused by a viral illness can be a symptom of a stroke.

Seizures

Seizures can be a sign of a stroke, and may be the first symptom that a teenager has had a stroke.

If a teenager is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

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Diagnosis: blood work, imaging (e.g. MRI, CT scan)

While uncommon, 14-year-olds can have a stroke. When strokes occur in teenagers, they are usually due to underlying health conditions that increase stroke risk.

To diagnose a stroke, doctors will take a detailed medical history and run a series of tests, including brain imaging scans to get a detailed view of the brain. These imaging techniques can also help determine the type of stroke and inform treatment.

Blood Work

Blood tests are used to check for infections or blood clotting disorders. They can also help identify underlying conditions that may have contributed to the stroke, such as high cholesterol or sickle cell disease.

Imaging Techniques

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI scans use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain and its blood vessels. They are safe and painless and can detect even small infarcts. MRI is highly sensitive and specific in detecting ischemic core within minutes of a stroke.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

CT scans use X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of the brain. They are fast, widely available in emergency rooms, and can detect haemorrhagic strokes. CT scans can also be used to rule out skull fractures, foreign objects, or tumours.

Other Imaging Modalities

Other imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computed tomography angiography (CTA), and duplex ultrasound can also be used to evaluate blood flow, detect vessel occlusions or stenosis, and identify vascular malformations.

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Treatment: medication, surgery, rehabilitation

Strokes in teenagers are uncommon but possible. The most common type of stroke in teens is ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery that supplies blood flow to the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke is another type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds into the surrounding tissues, damaging brain cells. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or "mini strokes", are also possible in teens and are considered warning signs of a future stroke.

Treatment for strokes in teenagers depends on the type of stroke and any underlying conditions. Medications used to treat strokes in teens include:

  • Blood thinners (anticoagulants) to prevent blood clots from forming or growing
  • Thrombolytic medications, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), to dissolve blood clots
  • Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin, to prevent platelets from clumping together to form blood clots
  • Antibiotics to treat underlying bacterial infections
  • Anti-seizure medications (anticonvulsants)

In some cases, surgery may be required to treat a stroke in a teenager. Surgeries may include:

  • Removing a clot
  • Reducing pressure on the brain
  • Stopping bleeding in the brain
  • Draining blood to reduce pressure on the brain
  • Breaking up blood clots and restoring normal blood flow
  • Correcting malformations in the vascular system that impede normal blood flow to the brain

Rehabilitation therapies are also often involved in the treatment of strokes in teenagers. These may include:

  • Physical therapy to improve or regain movement and strength
  • Speech therapy to improve or regain verbal abilities
  • Occupational therapy to regain the ability to perform self-directed activities at home or work, such as bathing, dressing, or eating

Frequently asked questions

Strokes can happen at any age, but they are uncommon in teenagers. Strokes in children and teens are usually due to underlying health conditions that increase stroke risk, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, blood clots, sickle cell disease, head injuries, and drug use.

Symptoms of a stroke in teens are similar to those in adults and include severe head pain, sudden weakness or paralysis, slurred speech, confusion, vision problems, and sudden mood or behavioural changes.

If a teenager is exhibiting any stroke symptoms, seek medical attention right away. A doctor will take a detailed medical history and run a series of tests, including brain imaging scans, blood tests, and spinal taps, to diagnose a stroke.

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