Resumen de Stroke in Young Adults: Implications of the Long-term Prognosis
Stroke is no longer considered a disease of old age. The mean age of stroke is declining and is now 69 years; the proportion of all strokes among persons younger than 55 years is increasing and is 19%; and the incidence rates of stroke among 20- to 54-year-olds are increasing in the United States and United Kingdom and are 48 (95% CI, 42-53) per 100 000 population among whites and 128 (95% CI, 106-149) per 100 000 population among blacks.1- 2 Likely contributing factors are increasing diabetes; obesity; and recreational tobacco, drug, and alcohol use,3- 4 as well as enhanced detection among younger people. The looming epidemic of stroke in young adults has prompted the American Academy of Neurology to set up a task force on stroke in young adults4 and the World Stroke Organization to embark on a World Stroke Campaign that addresses the prevailing misconception that �stroke only happens later in life.�5
