Bielefeld (dpa/tmn) – Strokes don’t just affect the elderly. According to the German Stroke Society (DSG), 10 to 15 percent of those affected are under the age of 55.
In the event of a stroke, the brain is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen because a blood vessel is blocked or burst. But who is particularly at risk at a comparatively young age?
Risk factors: the pill, smoking, migraine with aura
According to the DSG, it affects women more often than men. Above all, the combination of taking the pill, smoking and migraine with aura increases the risk. And of course the risk factors that play a role in many diseases: too little exercise, obesity, high blood pressure.
However, lifestyle is not always the decisive factor in determining one’s own stroke risk. Especially in the case of the very young – the 18 to 35 year olds – the causes are usually heart defects, genetic factors or tears in the carotid artery.
The chances of survival are good
But there is good news: the chances of survival for younger people are significantly better than for older people following a stroke. Provided they get help quickly.
Signs of a stroke include difficulty finding words, blurred vision and sudden headaches. A shaky gait or a one-sided grimace indicate the paralysis of one side of the body, which is typical of a stroke.
According to the DSG, the following questions help to better classify the situation: Can the person smile with both corners of the mouth? Raise both arms at the same height and turn your palms up? Speak clearly? If this is not the case, you should dial the emergency number 112 immediately.
