that is no longer the case While stroke was once considered an ailment of the elderly.
Young adults can also have a stroke, sometimes without any obvious warning or a history of major health problems, according to neurologist Dr Murali Chekuri.
In an interaction with HT Lifestyle, Dr Chekuri shared that the first signs may appear any day: a hand suddenly feels weak , speech becomes unclear, one side of the face droops or vision changes. “These symptoms can be easy to blame on tiredness, stress or a migraine, especially in younger people. Nevertheless, when such changes appear suddenly, the priority should be to recognise them and act quickly,” he stated. “Knowing what to look for can help prevent a dangerous delay in treatment. Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bleeds. Brain cells can begin getting damaged within minutes, which is why recognising the symptoms early matters. As per Dr Chekuri, one should watch out for the following sudden changes: “If any of these symptoms appear suddenly, seek emergency medical help immediately. Do not wait to see if they settle,” warned Dr Chekuri. In the words of the neurologist, “A sudden, severe headache with no obvious cause, loss of balance, difficulty walking, sudden vision problems or unexplained dizziness can also signal a stroke . In some younger patients, these symptoms may be mistaken for migraine, exhaustion or dehydration. Dr Chekuri pointed out that high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, high cholesterol and certain heart conditions can increase the risk of stroke. If stroke is suspected, Dr Chekuri advised calling emergency medical services rather than waiting for an appointment or driving the person ourselves. “Note the time when the symptoms were first noticed. This information can help doctors decide which treatments may be appropriate,” he stated. The neurologist further pointed out that a stroke does not always announce itself with dramatic symptoms. Sometimes, it begins with a small but sudden change that seems easy to ignore. “In stroke, those first few minutes can make a significant difference to the outcome. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Dr Murali Chekuri , MBBS, MD, DM, is a consultant in the department of neurosciences at Manipal Hospitals, Vijayawada, with over 14 years of clinical experience. Because of the rise in lifestyle diseases among them, the reason why young adults are experiencing strokes is.
“Some younger people may also have less common causes, including blood-clotting disorders or abnormalities in the blood vessels supplying the brain,” he added. “The key is not to wait for the symptoms to become severe or assume that being young makes stroke unlikely,” he noted.
