Strokes are often associated with older adults, but they can occur at any age, even in young people.

In fact, the rate of strokes in individuals under 50 has been rising, with a 40% increase in diagnose

s among young adults in the U.S. over recent decades. Around 10 to 15% of strokes occur in those aged 18 to 50.

Several factors contribute to this increase, including common risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure,

and blood clots, as well as unique factors affecting younger adults, such as genetics, pregnancy, obesity,

smoking, binge drinking, drug use, and high cholesterol. Sickle cell disease is also a significant risk factor,

as nearly 25% of those with this condition suffer a stroke before the age of 4.

Here are five warning signs of stroke to look out for in young adults:

Intense Headaches
A sudden, severe headache could indicate a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Immediate medical attention is essential.

Numbness or Weakness
Numbness, weakness, or tingling on one side of the body can signal a stroke, as blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cell death.

Issues Speaking or Understanding
Sudden difficulty speaking, understanding speech, or confusion may occur if the stroke affects the brain’s language areas, leading to slurred speech or even complete loss of speech.

Vision Problems
Blurred vision, double vision, or vision loss in one or both eyes may result from a stroke impacting the areas of the brain that control vision.

Loss of Balance and Coordination
Difficulty walking, dizziness, and lack of coordination can indicate a stroke affecting the cerebellum, which controls balance.

If any of these symptoms arise, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention to minimize potential brain damage and improve outcomes.