Strokes are increasingly impacting young people and experts say the factors are complex

Strokes are increasingly affecting younger individuals, according to new data and expert analysis. Ben Murphy, a 33-year-old man from south-east Queensland, experienced two strokes within five years, highlighting the growing concern over stroke occurrence among younger populations. His first stroke occurred when he was 27, initially misdiagnosed due to the challenges posed by the pandemic. He spent ten days in hospital before being discharged, even though scans revealed a "hole" in his heart. Doctors at the time did not recommend treatment for this condition. Five years later, he suffered a more severe stroke, resulting in loss of speech and mobility, requiring a three-month hospital stay. A procedure to close the heart opening was performed following the second stroke. Now, Murphy is gradually returning to his family farm near the Gold Coast, slowly regaining independence through activities like driving. The rise in stroke incidents among younger people is part of a broader global trend. Data from the Stroke Foundation indicates that over 440,000 Australians live with stroke, with one in four cases occurring in individuals of working age. A review by the World Stroke Organization noted an increase in stroke rates among those under 55 worldwide since the early 2000s, while rates among older adults have declined. In Australia, stroke foundation chief executive Lisa Murphy explained that prevention efforts remain focused on older demographics, leaving younger people vulnerable. She emphasized that risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation contribute significantly to stroke risk, although these factors often remain unnoticed in younger patients. Neurology professor Vincent Thijs from the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health pointed out that the rise in young stroke cases is primarily linked to ischemic strokes, which occur when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain. These types of strokes account for 80 percent of all stroke events in Australia. Thijs also highlighted an increase in young stroke cases with no identifiable cause, termed cryptogenic strokes. Factors contributing to these cases include increased drug use, exposure to air pollution, extended work hours, and delayed pregnancies. A Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO), a small opening in the heart, is another potential contributor to cryptogenic strokes. Clinical trials in Australia suggest that up to 50 percent of young stroke patients have PFOs, though many healthy young individuals also possess this condition without needing intervention. Thijs recommended improved screening for PFOs in individuals aged 18 to 60 following a stroke, as identifying and addressing PFOs can prevent subsequent strokes. Gold Coast resident Ash De Cotta, who suffered a brain stem stroke at 35, exemplifies the unpredictable nature of stroke. She described experiencing severe neck pain and migraines with aura prior to her stroke, yet medical professionals only provided pain relief. Two years after her stroke, De Cotta still lacks a clear understanding of its cause. She advocates for greater awareness of stroke risks and encourages people to pay attention to their bodies. Experts stress that stroke symptoms are frequently overlooked by healthcare professionals, including emergency department staff and paramedics. The lack of recognition of these symptoms in younger patients underscores the urgent need for updated prevention strategies targeting working-age individuals. As research continues to uncover the complexities behind rising stroke rates among younger people, calls for comprehensive screening and education grow stronger. The experiences of individuals like Murphy and De Cotta serve as reminders that stroke does not discriminate based on age or perceived health status.