Roller Coaster Rides Post-Stroke: What You Need To Know

Riding roller coasters can pose a slim risk of stroke, especially for those with high blood pressure or heart conditions. The adrenaline rush and rapid speed of roller coasters can cause a dangerous blood clot or a torn blood vessel, triggering a stroke in both adults and children. While healthy individuals can generally expect to be safe, there have been rare cases of young, healthy people suffering strokes after riding roller coasters. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs of a stroke and to seek medical help immediately if any symptoms occur.

Roller coasters can cause strokes

Ischemic strokes occur when a clot forms in an artery, blocking or reducing blood flow to the brain. On the other hand, hemorrhagic strokes happen when a blood vessel breaks and bleeds into the brain. The forces exerted on the body during a roller coaster ride can increase the risk of both types of strokes, especially in individuals with high blood pressure or heart conditions.

People with high blood pressure or heart conditions are already at an elevated risk for stroke. The adrenaline rush and rapid changes in heart rate and blood pressure that occur during a roller coaster ride can further increase the likelihood of a stroke. Additionally, high blood pressure can weaken blood vessels, making them more susceptible to tearing during the ride, which can lead to a carotid dissection or other stroke-causing injuries.

While the risk of stroke from roller coasters is slim, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions. Some common signs of a stroke after a roller coaster ride include numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, confusion, slurred speech, trouble seeing, dizziness, severe headaches, and difficulty walking. These symptoms may not appear immediately after the ride but can develop slowly over several hours or even days.

It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know experiences any of these stroke symptoms after riding a roller coaster. While most people walk away from roller coasters unharmed, the potential risk of stroke, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions, should not be overlooked.

Strokes can have lasting physical and mental effects

The mental and emotional effects of a stroke can be just as impactful as the physical effects. Many stroke survivors experience some form of cognitive impairment, such as difficulty with memory, concentration, or decision-making. Stroke survivors may also struggle with emotional changes, such as depression, anxiety, or personality changes. It is also common for stroke survivors to experience fatigue and decreased energy levels, which can impact their ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed.

In addition to the physical and mental effects, a stroke can also have a significant impact on a person's ability to perform daily tasks and maintain their independence. Many stroke survivors require assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also need help with household tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and managing finances.

The effects of a stroke can vary widely from person to person, and some people may experience only mild effects while others may have more severe and lasting disabilities. The road to recovery after a stroke can be long and challenging, and many stroke survivors require ongoing rehabilitation and support to regain their strength and independence. It is important for stroke survivors and their caregivers to have access to the necessary resources and support systems to help them cope with the physical, mental, and emotional effects of their stroke.

Strokes are more common in young people than previously thought

Strokes are becoming more common in young people, with the number of cases in those aged 18 to 45 increasing faster than in any other age group. This trend is not limited to a particular region, with national and global studies showing a rise in stroke prevalence among young adults. For example, in northern Colorado, the number of young adults having strokes nearly doubled between 2020 and 2023. Similarly, a study in the Netherlands found that the incidence of stroke in young adults increased from 14.0/100,000 person-years in 1998 to 17.2/100,000 person-years in 2010.

The increase in stroke cases among young people is multifactorial and linked to various risk factors. Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, limited exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, play a significant role. Additionally, the prevalence of traditional vascular risk factors, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and heart disease, is on the rise in this age group. These factors can weaken or damage arteries, leading to clot formation and increasing the risk of ischemic strokes, which account for about 87% of all strokes in the United States.

Other factors contributing to the rise in strokes among young people include stress, the COVID-19 pandemic, and certain non-modifiable risk factors. The pandemic has been associated with an increased risk of "sticky blood" and abnormal blood clots, which can lead to stroke. Furthermore, young women face additional risk factors, such as hormonal therapy, birth control, pregnancy, lupus, and migraine with aura.

The increase in strokes among young people has significant implications and underscores the need for prevention, timely diagnosis, and prompt treatment. Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disabilities, and quick treatment is crucial for preserving brain tissue and reducing the chances of long-term deficits. Recognizing the signs of a stroke, such as using the acronym BE FAST (balance, eyes, face, arm, speech, time), is essential for seeking immediate medical attention.

Strokes can be caused by damage to the vertebral or carotid arteries

Strokes are a serious medical condition that can be caused by damage to the vertebral or carotid arteries, resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain. The vertebral arteries, located at the back of the neck, supply the brain and spine with oxygen-rich blood. On the other hand, the carotid arteries are the main blood vessels that deliver oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain.

Damage to the vertebral arteries can occur through a dissection, which is a tear in one or more of its three tissue layers: intima, media, and adventitia. This can lead to blood clots or swelling of the artery, increasing the risk of a life-threatening ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Vertebral artery dissection is more common in people younger than 45 and is often caused by injury or sudden neck movements. It is important to note that vertebral artery dissection is a rare cause of stroke in older adults, accounting for only 2% of ischemic strokes.

Carotid artery stenosis, or narrowing of the arteries, can be caused by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty substances, calcium, and waste products inside the artery lining. This results in reduced blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke. Risk factors for carotid artery stenosis include a diet high in saturated fat and other lifestyle choices.

While strokes can be caused by damage to the vertebral or carotid arteries, it is important to note that there are other risk factors and causes of strokes. Additionally, the likelihood of experiencing a stroke while riding a roller coaster is slim, but not impossible. For most healthy individuals, riding a roller coaster is safe. However, for those with high blood pressure or heart conditions, the adrenaline rush and rapid changes in speed and direction of roller coasters can increase the risk of a stroke. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a stroke, as they may not appear immediately after the ride and can develop slowly over a few hours or even days.

Strokes can be treated with medication and surgery

In the case of ischemic strokes, medication such as thrombolytics (e.g. tissue plasminogen activator) can be administered to break up blood clots if the patient receives treatment within 3 hours of the first symptoms. Other medicines, such as blood thinners, may also be prescribed. Surgery may also be used to remove the clot.

Hemorrhagic strokes can be treated with endovascular procedures, which help repair weak spots or breaks in blood vessels. Surgery may also be used to treat hemorrhagic strokes, especially if the bleeding is caused by a ruptured aneurysm. In this case, a metal clip may be put in place to stop the blood loss.

In addition to these treatments, patients may also be given anticoagulants to prevent blood clots, medicines to lower blood pressure, and statins to lower cholesterol.

While these treatments can be lifesaving, it is important to recognize the signs of a stroke and seek immediate medical attention. Calling an ambulance is crucial, as emergency workers can begin treatment on the way to the hospital, improving the chances of recovery.

Frequently asked questions