A Contemporary Review of Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Etiology, and Outcomes of Premature Stroke

Purpose of Review Recent data identifies increases in young ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. We provide a contemporary overview of current literature on stroke among young patients or premature stroke along with directions for future investigation. Recent Findings Strokes in the young are highly heterogenous and often cryptogenic. Sex distribution and risk factors shift from women among the youngest age groups (< 35) to men over the age of 45, with a coinciding rise in traditional vascular risk factors. Incidence is higher in minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, and the impact of stroke among these communities may be exaggerated by disparities in symptom recognition and access to care. Special diagnostic work-up may be needed, and a lower threshold for diagnosis is warranted as potential misdiagnosis is a concern and may preclude necessary triage and management. Although premature strokes form a relatively small proportion of total incidence, they vary greatly across subgroups and present an outsized impact on quality of life and productivity.

Automated summary

Recent studies have shown an increase in the occurrence of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes in young people. This article provides an up-to-date overview of current research on strokes among young patients or premature strokes, as well as suggestions for future investigations. The findings reveal that strokes in young people are diverse and often of unknown cause. The distribution of strokes and risk factors shift from women in the youngest age groups (< 35 years) to men over the age of 45, with a simultaneous rise in traditional vascular risk factors. Incidence rates are higher in minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, and the impact of stroke in these communities may be magnified due to disparities in symptom recognition and access to care. Special diagnostic evaluations may be necessary, and a lower threshold for diagnosis is warranted to avoid potential misdiagnosis and ensure necessary triage and management. Although premature strokes account for a relatively small proportion of total incidence, they vary greatly across subgroups and have a significant impact on quality of life and productivity.