Half of the body has a stroke What are the signs and symptoms?

A man from the UK suffered a stroke at a very young age. Liam Rudd, a mechanic from Guildford who now lives in Australia, suffered a stroke when he was 30 years old and eventually became paralyzed.
“He was vomiting, so we thought he had a really bad concussion, we didn't realize what it was at the time,” Stella was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail, Friday (27/12/2024).

After the incident, Rudd was paralyzed on his left side. Rudd had to undergo intensive rehabilitation for at least a year and a half.

Stroke is often considered a disease that only affects the elderly. However, in reality, stroke can also occur at a young age, even among teenagers and early adults. This phenomenon is a concern because it can have a significant impact on the quality of life of someone who should be in a productive period. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, risk factors, prevention and treatment of stroke at a young age.

What is Stroke?
Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). When the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, brain cells do not get enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to brain cell damage or death.

Why Can Stroke Happen at a Young Age?
Stroke at a young age is usually caused by a combination of genetic factors, lifestyle, and certain health conditions. Here are some of the main causes:

1. Cardiovascular Disease Conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the blood vessels), and congenital heart disorders can increase the risk of stroke at a young age.
2. Genetic or Autoimmune Diseases Some genetic disorders, such as Marfan syndrome or systemic lupus erythematosus (LES), can cause blood vessel damage and increase the risk of stroke.
3. Substance Use Drug abuse, especially cocaine and amphetamines, can cause sudden increases in blood pressure and damage to the brain's blood vessels.
4. Smoking and Alcohol Consumption Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can accelerate blood vessel damage and increase the risk of blood clots.
5. Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle Lack of physical activity and an unhealthy diet can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension, all of which are risk factors for stroke.
6. Head Injury or Trauma Severe head injuries can cause damage to the brain's blood vessels and increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

Stroke Symptoms at a Young Age
The symptoms of stroke at a young age are similar to those that occur at an advanced age. Some warning signs to look out for include:

1. Sudden weakness Loss of strength on one side of the body, such as the hands or feet.
2. Speech Impairment Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
3. Blurred Vision Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
4. Dizziness or Loss of Balance Difficulty walking or loss of coordination.
5. Severe Headache Severe headache with no apparent cause, especially if accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

If you or someone around you experiences any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Quick treatment can save lives and prevent complications.

Risk Factors for Stroke at a Young Age
Some of the risk factors that increase the chances of stroke at a young age include:

• Hypertension
• High Cholesterol
• Diabetes mellitus
• Atrial Fibrillation (heart rhythm disorder)
• Migraine with Aura
• Oral Contraceptive Use
• Chronic Stress

Stroke Prevention at a Young Age
To reduce the risk of stroke, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and manage existing risk factors. The following are preventive measures that can be taken:

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet Consume low-salt, high-fiber, and nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains.
2. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol Smoking and alcohol are major risk factors that can be avoided.
3. Be Physically Active Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling or other sports, for at least 150 minutes per week.
4. Regularly Check Your Health Check your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar regularly.
5. Manage Stress Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or exercise to reduce stress.

Stroke Management at a Young Age
If a stroke occurs, medical treatment should be undertaken as soon as possible. Initial therapies that are often performed include:

1. Thrombolysis Clot-busting drugs are used for ischemic stroke if the patient presents within the “golden period” (usually within 3-4.5 hours after symptoms appear).
2. Rehabilitation Patients may require physiotherapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy to restore impaired body functions.
3. Underlying Disease Management Management of underlying diseases, such as hypertension or diabetes, should be done to prevent recurrent stroke.

Conclusion
Stroke at a young age is a serious condition that can be prevented with lifestyle changes and risk factor management. Recognizing symptoms early and getting medical treatment quickly is key to minimizing the negative impact of stroke. By living a healthy lifestyle, you can protect yourself from the risk of stroke and maintain an optimal quality of life.

Reference

1. World Stroke Organization. “Stroke Risk Factors.” www.world-stroke.org
2. American Heart Association. “Preventing Stroke at a Young Age.” www.heart.org
3. Indonesian Ministry of Health. “Indonesia Health Profile 2022.” www.kemkes.go.id
4. Mayo Clinic. “Stroke Overview.” www.mayoclinic.org
5. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Stroke: Hope Through Research.” www.ninds.nih.gov