Stroke In Preteens: What Parents Should Know

can a 12 year old get a stroke

Strokes are possible at any age, but they are uncommon in teenagers. While strokes mostly occur in adults aged 65 and older, around 300 to 500 babies and children will have a stroke each year in Australia. In the US, between 10 and 15 per cent of strokes occur in people aged 18 to 50.

Characteristics Values
Age group 12-year-olds are considered children when it comes to strokes
Stroke probability Strokes in children are rare but possible
Stroke types Ischemic, Hemorrhagic, Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
Symptoms Trouble understanding, sudden change in physical or cognitive function, severe head pain, weakness, confusion, slurred speech, etc.
Causes Underlying health conditions such as blood disorders, heart conditions, infections, head injuries, medications, or recreational drugs
Prevention Regular health check-ups can help detect, monitor, and manage conditions that increase stroke risk
Treatment Blood thinners, thrombolytic medications, antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, surgeries, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, blood transfusions

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Stroke in young people: causes and risk factors

Strokes are uncommon in young people, but they can happen at any age. The causes and risk factors for strokes in young people are often different from those in older adults. Here are some of the causes and risk factors unique to or more common in young people:

Causes

  • Problems with the brain's blood vessels: This includes conditions such as vasculitis, focal cerebral arteriopathy (FCA), and moyamoya disease, which can narrow or weaken blood vessels in the brain.
  • Head or neck trauma: Injuries to the head or neck can cause blood clots or bleeding from blood vessels, increasing the risk of stroke.
  • Heart problems: Conditions such as heart disease or heart malformations can lead to irregular heartbeats, heart function problems, or heart attacks, all of which can increase the risk of stroke.
  • Pregnancy complications: Pregnancy-related conditions, such as preeclampsia, can share risk factors with stroke and increase the risk.

Risk Factors

  • Modifiable vascular risk factors: Dyslipidemia, smoking, and hypertension are common risk factors for stroke in young people.
  • Migraine: Migraine with aura increases the risk of stroke, especially in young women.
  • Illicit drug use: The use of illicit and recreational drugs is a risk factor for both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes.
  • Oral contraceptives: The use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) containing high doses of estrogen has been linked to an increased risk of stroke in young women.
  • Hypercoagulable states: Conditions such as antiphospholipid syndrome and sickle cell disease can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke.

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Stroke symptoms and what to do

While strokes are uncommon in teenagers and children, they can still happen. The symptoms of a stroke are the same in teens as they are in adults, but they may be more easily overlooked in younger people. If a 12-year-old exhibits any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention right away:

  • Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  • Difficulty speaking, understanding, reading, or writing.
  • Trouble seeing or loss of vision.
  • Dizziness, loss of balance, or poor coordination.
  • Severe or unusual headaches, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Difficulty swallowing, including drooling.
  • Seizures with weakness that doesn't improve.
  • Changes in behaviour and difficulty concentrating.
  • Sudden weakness or severe head pain.
  • Slurred speech or confusion.

If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately. Even if you aren't sure or the signs only last for a few minutes, it's important to seek medical attention. Brain imaging tests, such as MRIs and CT scans, can help diagnose a stroke. Treatment options may include blood thinners, thrombolytic medications, antibiotics, and surgeries to remove clots or repair damaged arteries.

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Stroke recovery and long-term effects

While strokes are uncommon in teenagers, they can still happen. In such cases, the recovery process and long-term effects can vary depending on the severity of the stroke and the area of the brain affected.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

The recovery process after a stroke can vary from person to person. For some, recovery may take only a few days or weeks, while for others, it may extend to months or even years. Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the recovery process, and it is important to start as soon as possible. The rehabilitation team typically consists of physiatrists, neurologists, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and nurses. They work together to help the patient regain physical and cognitive abilities.

The rehabilitation plan may include:

  • Physiotherapy and exercises to improve movement and address issues like numbness.
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to address anxiety, depression, and tiredness.
  • Cognitive rehabilitation to improve memory, concentration, thinking, and mood.
  • Speech therapy to address problems with swallowing and speech.
  • Exercises to improve vision.
  • Bowel and bladder management.

Long-Term Effects

The long-term effects of a stroke depend on the severity of the stroke and the area of the brain affected. Some common long-term effects include:

  • Cognitive symptoms: memory problems, difficulty speaking, and understanding.
  • Physical symptoms: weakness, paralysis, and difficulty with movement and coordination.
  • Emotional symptoms: depression, impulsivity, and behavioural changes.
  • Fatigue and sleep disturbances.
  • Recurrent seizures or fits (epilepsy).

It is important to note that the effects of a stroke can improve over time, and with the right rehabilitation and support, many individuals can make significant progress in their recovery.

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Lifestyle factors that can lead to a stroke

Strokes are rare in children and teenagers but can occur at any age. There are three main types of strokes: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Ischemic strokes are the most common type in teens and adults and occur when an artery supplying blood to the brain is blocked, typically by a blood clot. Hemorrhagic strokes happen when an artery in the brain bursts and bleeds, increasing pressure and damaging brain cells. TIAs are "mini strokes" where blood flow to the brain is blocked for short periods and are considered a warning sign of a future stroke.

Physical Inactivity

People who are not physically active have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and brain, and it can help reduce the chances of developing other risk factors such as diabetes, cancer, and dementia. Even if you are starting from a sedentary lifestyle, there are always ways to incorporate more movement into your routine.

Unhealthy Diet

Making small, healthy changes to your diet can significantly impact your risk of stroke. Eating nutritious foods can help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as improve your overall health.

Obesity

Being overweight or obese can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and sleep apnea, all of which are risk factors for stroke. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your chances of developing these conditions and lower your stroke risk.

Smoking

Smoking is a significant risk factor for stroke, tripling the risk of dying from heart disease or stroke in middle-aged individuals. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of stroke and improve your overall health.

Alcohol Consumption

Heavy drinking and binge drinking are risk factors for high blood pressure and stroke. Alcohol can also interact with medications, causing additional problems. It is important to drink within the recommended limits and be aware of the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption.

Recreational Drug Use

Drugs such as amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, and heroin increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Strokes occurring within hours of drug use are common.

Stress

People with high or prolonged stress levels may have higher cholesterol or blood pressure, increasing their risk of stroke. Managing stress through healthy coping mechanisms is essential for overall health and well-being.

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Stroke in younger adults: a public health concern

Although strokes predominantly occur in adults over the age of 65, they can happen at any age. According to the American Heart Association, incidents of stroke have increased by 40% among young US adults over the past few decades, with around 10-15% of strokes occurring in adults aged 18-50. This trend is not confined to the "Stroke Belt", a region in the southeastern US with stroke rates 2-4 times the national average. The rise in strokes among young people is a growing public health concern.

Causes of strokes in young adults

Young adults who suffer strokes often have underlying health conditions that increase their risk. These include:

  • Heart-related problems, such as patent foramen ovale (a hole in the heart) and arterial dissection (a tear in the inner layer of blood vessels in the neck)
  • Blood clotting disorders, including sickle cell disease
  • Substance abuse, particularly cocaine use
  • Migraines with aura
  • Pregnancy and the postpartum period
  • Lifestyle factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet, which can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol

Symptoms of strokes in young adults

It is important to recognize the signs of stroke in young people, as they may be more easily overlooked than in older adults. Symptoms of stroke in younger adults are similar to those in older adults and include:

  • Arm weakness, especially on one side
  • Drooping face
  • Trouble speaking
  • Balance problems
  • Sudden numbness in the hands
  • Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly
  • Difficulty breathing, general weakness, fainting, hallucinations, nausea, and vomiting

Treatment and recovery from strokes in young adults

As with strokes in older adults, treatment for strokes in young adults aims to stop the stroke and reduce disabling side effects. This may include:

  • Administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms to break up blood clots
  • Thrombectomy, a procedure to remove large clots blocking blood vessels in the brain, ideally within 8 hours of the stroke
  • Medication or surgery to stop bleeding in the case of hemorrhagic strokes

Following treatment, young stroke patients often require physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy to aid in their recovery. Depression is also common following a stroke, affecting up to half of all survivors, so mental health support is an important part of the recovery process.

Prevention of strokes in young adults

To reduce the risk of stroke in young adults, it is important to address modifiable risk factors. This includes maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, refraining from smoking and drug use, and managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

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