Strokes: An Age-Agnostic Health Concern?

can strokes happen at any age

Strokes have no age limit and can happen to anyone, from infants to older adults. While strokes are most common among people in their 90s, with the average age of stroke falling in the 70s, they can also occur in young adults, teenagers, and children. In fact, strokes affect between 3 and 25 out of every 100,000 people under 18, with the highest rates in babies less than a month old. The risk of stroke increases with age, but it's important to recognize that it can happen to anyone at any stage of life.

Characteristics Values
Can strokes happen at any age? Yes
Average age of stroke 70s
Most common age for stroke 71.4 years in men and 76.9 years in women
Risk factors Increasing age, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking
Warning signs Balance changes, eye or vision changes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty

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Strokes can occur in infants, children, and teens

While strokes predominantly occur in adults over the age of 65, they can happen at any age. This includes infants, children, and teens, though pediatric strokes are considered rare.

Strokes in Infants

Pediatric strokes affect 25 in 100,000 newborns each year. When a stroke occurs in a newborn, symptoms may not appear until the child is 4 to 6 months old. These symptoms can include decreased movement or weakness on one side of the body.

Strokes in Children

Strokes can also occur in older children, affecting 12 in 100,000 children under 18 years of age. The risk factors for stroke in children differ from those in adults and can include problems with blood vessels supplying the brain and blood clotting disorders.

Underlying health conditions can also increase the risk of stroke in children. These conditions include sickle cell anemia, congenital heart defects, immune disorders, or problems with blood clotting. In some cases, previously healthy children can have hidden disorders such as narrow blood vessels or a tendency to form blood clots easily.

The signs and symptoms of a stroke in children typically begin suddenly and can include:

  • Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
  • Slurred speech or difficulty with language
  • Trouble balancing or walking
  • Vision problems, such as double vision or loss of vision
  • Sudden lethargy or drowsiness
  • Seizures (unusual rhythmic movement of one or both sides of the body)

Strokes in Teens

Strokes in teenagers are uncommon but possible. As with younger children, strokes in teens are usually due to underlying health conditions that increase their stroke risk. These conditions can include blood disorders, heart conditions, infections, or head injuries. Additionally, certain medications or recreational drugs can also raise the risk of stroke in this age group.

The symptoms of a stroke in teens are similar to those in adults and can include:

  • Severe head pain
  • Vision changes
  • Weakness
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech

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Risk factors for strokes in children

While strokes are rare in children, they can occur at any age, including infancy, childhood, and teenage years. The risk factors for strokes in children can be divided into perinatal and childhood risk factors.

Perinatal Risk Factors

Perinatal strokes can occur in the last few months of pregnancy up to one month after birth. Risk factors that could lead to perinatal stroke include:

  • Congenital heart disease
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Infections (e.g., meningitis)

Childhood Risk Factors

Childhood strokes can occur between one month old and 18 years. Risk factors for children include:

  • Congenital heart disease
  • Diseases affecting the brain's arteries
  • Infections affecting the brain or other organs
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Heart and blood vessel problems

General Risk Factors for All Ages

In addition to the age-specific risk factors above, there are also general risk factors that apply to all ages, including children. These include:

  • Cardiovascular risk factors: obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease
  • Lifestyle risk factors: tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use
  • Inherited thrombophilia and acquired prothrombotic or hypercoagulable states
  • Patent foramen ovale, a congenital heart condition
  • Carotid or vertebral artery dissection
  • Vasculopathy or vasculitis
  • Use of oral contraceptives

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Lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of strokes

Stroke is a medical condition that can happen at any age. It occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked by a clot or bursts. While the risk of having a stroke increases with age, there are several risk factors that can increase your chances of having a stroke at a younger age.

Control Blood Pressure:

High blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes. Get your blood pressure checked regularly, and if it is high, work with your healthcare provider to manage it. Reducing salt intake, avoiding high-cholesterol foods, and increasing physical activity can all help lower blood pressure. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg.

Healthy Diet:

Adopting a healthy diet can significantly reduce your risk of stroke. Eat foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium (salt). The Mediterranean diet, rich in fish and fruits, has been associated with lower stroke risks. Increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy.

Regular Physical Activity:

Regular exercise helps keep your blood flowing and your heart strong. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, five days a week. Even 10 minutes of exercise can offer health benefits. Break up your activity into smaller chunks if necessary, and look for small ways to be more active, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Smoking Cessation:

Smoking and vaping increase the risk of stroke by causing blockages in the arteries leading to the brain. Nicotine also raises blood pressure and thickens the blood, contributing to plaque buildup. Quitting smoking immediately reduces your stroke risk. Seek support and guidance from healthcare professionals to help you quit.

Limit Alcohol Intake:

Binge drinking thins the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding. To reduce stroke risk, limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Red wine is a good choice, as it contains resveratrol, which is believed to be beneficial for the heart and brain.

Manage Stress:

Chronic stress can damage artery walls and contribute to unhealthy behaviours such as overeating, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. Practice stress reduction techniques such as positive self-talk, meditation, or journaling.

Maintain a Healthy Weight:

Obesity is a risk factor for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease, all of which increase the risk of stroke. Maintain a balanced diet and a physically active lifestyle to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Even a small weight loss of 10 pounds can make a significant difference in reducing your stroke risk.

Manage Health Conditions:

Certain health conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, diabetes, and high cholesterol, increase the risk of stroke. Work closely with your doctor to manage these conditions effectively. Take prescribed medications as directed and make necessary lifestyle changes to control these risk factors.

Adequate Sleep:

Ensure you get enough restorative sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults and more for children. Sleep helps regulate stress levels and supports overall health, reducing the risk of stroke.

Regular Medical Checkups:

Schedule regular medical checkups, including assessments of your stroke risk factors. This proactive approach will help you identify and address any potential issues early on, reducing your risk of stroke and improving your overall health.

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Signs and symptoms of strokes in children

Strokes can happen at any age, from infants to teenagers, and even before birth. While strokes are less common in children, they can still occur and it is important to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms.

The acronym F.A.S.T. is a useful tool for identifying a stroke in children:

  • Face — Does one side of the face droop or appear numb? Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven?
  • Arm — Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
  • Speech — Is their speech slurred? Are they unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue."
  • Time — If you notice any of the above symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Other signs and symptoms of a stroke in children include:

  • Severe sudden headache, especially with vomiting and sleepiness
  • Sudden weakness, paralysis, or numbness on one side of the body (face, arm and/or leg)
  • Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding others
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or difficulty walking
  • New onset of seizures, usually on one side of the body
  • Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
  • Tightness or restricted movement in the arms and legs
  • Sudden mood or behavioural changes
  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Onset of lethargy
  • Sudden loss of consciousness

Prompt action and medical treatment are crucial to maximise positive outcomes and minimise long-term disability.

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Signs and symptoms of strokes in adults

Strokes can happen at any age, but they are most common among people in their 90s. The average age of strokes is in the 70s. While strokes are more likely to occur with increasing age, they can also happen to young adults, teenagers, children, and even infants.

F.A.S.T. Acronym

  • F = Face Drooping: Check if one side of the person's face droops or is numb. Ask them to smile and observe if their smile is uneven.
  • A = Arm Weakness: Check if one arm is weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms and observe if one arm drifts downward.
  • S = Speech Difficulty: Check if the person's speech is slurred or strange. Ask them to repeat a simple phrase.
  • T = Time to Call 911: If you observe any of the above signs, call the emergency services immediately. Every minute counts in treating a stroke.

Other Symptoms

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of the body, including the face, arm, or leg.
  • Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
  • Sudden severe headache with no apparent cause.
  • Vision problems in one or both eyes.
  • Dizziness or loss of balance and coordination.
  • Swelling in the brain, which can lead to fluid buildup between the brain and skull or in the brain's cavities.
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control.
  • Loss of bone density or strength, usually on one side of the body.
  • Muscle weakness or stiffness, spasms, or pain.
  • Problems with language, thinking, memory, or decision-making.
  • Seizures, which are more common in the weeks following a stroke.
  • Difficulty swallowing, which can increase the risk of inhaling food or drink into the lungs and developing pneumonia.
Stroke Impact: Does It Worsen Over Time?

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, strokes can happen at any age, even to infants, children, and teenagers. However, the risk of having a stroke increases with age, with the average age of stroke being in the 70s.

The acronym BE FAST can be used to recognise the signs of a stroke:

- Balance: Sudden dizziness or loss of balance or coordination.

- Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

- Face: Sudden weakness of the face (one side of the face drooping).

- Arm: Weakness of an arm or leg.

- Speech: Sudden difficulty speaking.

- Time: Time the symptoms started and call 911 immediately.

There are several lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of having a stroke, including:

- Maintaining a healthy weight.

- Regular exercise.

- Quitting smoking.

- Regular check-ups with a doctor.

If you think you're having a stroke, it is important to act quickly. Call 911 and get to the hospital as soon as possible. Time is critical in stroke care, as the mantra "time is brain" emphasises—the shorter the time to treatment, the less disability will occur.

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