High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, stress and a sedentary lifestyle involving prolonged hours of sitting at a desk are putting young people's brain health at risk. A stroke can not only threaten life but also lead to lifelong disability, memory impairment, speech difficulties and mental health problems.
One of the most critical aspects of stroke treatment is the time taken to seek medical attention. Every minute of delay after the onset of symptoms can result in the loss of several lakh nerve cells in the brain. This is why the concept of 'Time is Brain' is considered crucial in stroke treatment.
On World Stroke Day, the growing risk of stroke among young people, the early symptoms that often go unnoticed, the importance of timely treatment and the preventive measures everyone should adopt are examined in detail.
What Exactly Is a Stroke?
The brain requires a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients, which are delivered through blood vessels. When a blood vessel becomes blocked by a blood clot or ruptures, a part of the brain does not receive an adequate blood supply. This condition is known as a stroke or paralysis.
When the supply of blood and oxygen stops, brain cells begin to die within minutes. This can affect various bodily functions, depending on the part of the brain involved.
There are primarily two types of stroke. The first is an ischemic stroke, in which a blood vessel is blocked by a clot. The second is a haemorrhagic stroke, in which a blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding in the brain.
Both conditions are serious and require immediate medical treatment.
What Are the Symptoms and When Should Treatment Begin?
The symptoms of stroke in young people are generally similar to those seen in older adults. However, some symptoms may differ in children.
One of the biggest concerns with stroke is that its initial symptoms are often overlooked.
These may include mild weakness on one side of the body, slight difficulty in speaking or unclear speech, vision-related problems or sudden loss of balance.
People often assume these symptoms are caused by another condition, muscle pain or muscle spasms, leading them to ignore the warning signs.
But how can these symptoms be recognised as serious?
To understand this, BBC Marathi spoke to Dr Darshan Doshi, a consultant neurologist at P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Mahim.
Speaking to BBC Marathi, he said, "If any sudden or severe symptoms appear, such as dizziness, difficulty walking, inability to walk or loss of balance, immediate medical attention should be sought. If there is a sudden change in vision, loss of vision in one eye or loss of a part of the visual field, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Similarly, if there is numbness on one side of the body or if the sensation on one side feels reduced compared to the other, medical help should be sought immediately."
The FAST test is often recommended to identify the severity of a stroke. However, Dr Doshi said that the test should actually be referred to as BE FAST.
B stands for Balance. A person may suddenly lose their balance.
E stands for Eyes. Vision in one eye or a part of the vision in either eye may suddenly decrease.
F stands for Face. The face may appear twisted or droop to one side.
A stands for Arm. The arm or leg on one side of the body may become weak.
S stands for Speech. A person may speak unclearly, struggle to use words, have difficulty understanding what someone is saying or speak incoherently.
T stands for Time. If any of these symptoms appear, the person must reach the nearest hospital without wasting even a minute.
Immediate medical attention is essential if any of these symptoms are observed.
Why Is the Golden Hour Important in Stroke Treatment?
The golden hour is extremely important in stroke treatment. Patients should reach the nearest hospital as soon as possible after symptoms appear.
Dr Doshi said, "The first four and a half hours are particularly important because a medication that dissolves blood clots can be administered during this period, increasing the chances of improvement in the patient's condition.
"However, this does not mean that patients do not need to go to the hospital if symptoms appear after four and a half hours. They should still seek immediate medical attention because several effective treatments are available even after this period."
Can Young People Have a Stroke?
There is a widespread misconception that stroke does not affect young people and occurs only among older adults.
Although the risk of stroke increases with age, it can affect anyone.
According to the World Stroke Organization's Global Stroke Fact Sheet 2025, around 15% of new stroke cases worldwide occur among people aged 15 to 49.
A stroke in a young person can have particularly serious consequences. At this stage of life, individuals may be beginning their careers, taking on family responsibilities or working towards future plans.
A stroke can suddenly affect their ability to work, live independently and take care of their families.
Young people must therefore remain aware of their risk factors and take preventive measures seriously.
To understand the issue further, BBC Marathi spoke to Dr Vinaya Bhandari, a consultant neurologist and specialist in neuromuscular disorders and stroke at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre.
Dr Bhandari explained that according to a global study, new stroke cases among people aged 15 to 49 increased by around 36% between 1990 and 2021.
In simple terms, if there were 100 new cases in this age group in 1990, the number would have been approximately 136 in 2021.
These are global figures that reflect the overall number of cases and do not indicate an individual's personal risk of having a stroke.
More information is needed to understand how the situation has changed in India. However, stroke can occur even in a person's 30s or 40s.
The message remains clear: if symptoms such as sudden weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or loss of vision occur, immediate medical attention should be sought.
High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking and heart disease are important risk factors for stroke among young people.
However, when a young person suffers a stroke, doctors also investigate other possible causes.
These include a tear in a blood vessel supplying the brain, certain heart conditions, disorders that make blood clots more likely to form and clots in the veins that carry blood away from the brain.
Inflammatory or genetic conditions may also be responsible in some patients.
Pregnancy and the period after childbirth are also important risk factors among women.
Not every stroke in a young person should be attributed solely to lifestyle. Identifying the underlying cause is important because treatment and measures to reduce the risk of another stroke depend on it.
How Does Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure Increase Stroke Risk Among Young People?
High blood pressure is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for stroke.
However, hypertension often does not cause noticeable symptoms.
A young person may appear completely healthy and continue with their daily activities while their blood pressure remains consistently elevated.
Over time, high blood pressure damages blood vessels and increases the risk of blockages or bleeding in the brain.
Dr Bhandari stressed the importance of regular blood pressure checks instead of waiting for symptoms to appear.
Knowing one's blood pressure levels and seeking appropriate treatment when necessary can be important for long-term health.
How Do Diabetes and Obesity Increase Stroke Risk?
Diabetes and obesity can increase the risk of stroke, particularly when accompanied by high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels.
Diabetes causes damage to blood vessels over time.
Excess fat around the abdomen is particularly associated with insulin resistance, high blood pressure and other metabolic problems.
One of the concerns is that these problems can begin early in life and remain undiagnosed for years.
A balanced diet, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are important preventive measures.
Early diagnosis of diabetes and appropriate treatment of associated conditions, including high blood pressure and cholesterol problems, are also essential.
Are Smoking, Vaping, Alcohol and Drug Use Increasing Stroke Risk Among Young People?
Dr Bhandari said smoking is one of the factors that can contribute to stroke.
It damages blood vessels and increases the likelihood of blood clots forming.
Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly drinking large quantities in a single session, can increase blood pressure and cause irregular heartbeats.
Stimulant drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine can suddenly increase blood pressure and trigger a stroke.
Evidence regarding vaping is still limited.
Its long-term association with stroke has not been established to the same extent as cigarette smoking. However, vaping, particularly products containing nicotine, should not be considered safe.
Can Genetic Factors Increase Stroke Risk Among Young People?
Yes. Certain genetic disorders can increase the risk of stroke.
These include sickle cell disease, some rare blood vessel disorders and moyamoya disease, which causes narrowing of the blood vessels supplying the brain.
Many young people also face job-related stress, financial pressure, family responsibilities and inadequate sleep.
Long-term stress may increase the risk of stroke by affecting blood pressure, sleep, eating habits and physical activity.
Some people also increase their smoking or alcohol consumption when under stress.
Research has found an association between psychological stress and stroke. However, this does not mean that stress alone causes a stroke in every individual.
How Does a Sedentary Lifestyle Affect Stroke Risk?
Physical inactivity is another factor that can increase the likelihood of stroke.
Many people spend most of their day sitting at a desk, travelling or working on a computer.
Over time, this can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol problems.
Doctors advise young people to begin by checking their blood pressure and finding out whether they have diabetes or cholesterol-related problems.
They should avoid smoking, remain physically active, maintain a balanced diet and get adequate sleep.
However, any significant lifestyle change, dietary modification, medication or exercise routine should be undertaken with the guidance of a doctor and an appropriate fitness professional.
A proper medical assessment of the person's health and symptoms is essential before making lifestyle changes.
Self-treatment without consulting a doctor can be dangerous.
With stroke cases increasingly affecting younger adults, awareness of warning signs, timely medical attention and early identification of risk factors remain crucial to preventing serious complications and reducing the long-term impact of the condition.
About The Author
Comment List