Ischaemic stroke in young adults: risk factors and long-term consequences.
Contrary to trends in most other diseases, the average age of ischaemic stroke onset is decreasing, owing to a rise in the incidence of stroke among 'young' individuals (under 50 years of age). This Review provides a critical overview of the risk factors and aetiology of young ischaemic stroke and addresses its long-term prognosis, including cardiovascular risk, functional outcome and psychosocial consequences. We highlight the diminishing role of 'rare' risk factors in the pathophysiology of young stroke in light of the rising prevalence of 'traditional' vascular risk factors in younger age groups. Long-term prognosis is of particular interest to young patients, because of their long life expectancy and major responsibilities during a demanding phase of life. The prognosis of young stroke is not as favourable as previously thought, with respect either to mortality or cardiovascular disease or to psychosocial consequences. Therefore, secondary stroke prevention is probably a life-long endeavour in most young stroke survivors. Due to under-representation of young patients in past trials, new randomized trials focusing on this age group are needed to confirm the benefits of long-term secondary preventive medication. The high prevalence of poor functional outcome and psychosocial problems warrants further study to optimize treatment and rehabilitation for these young patients.
Department of Neurology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Noortje A M M
NA
Maaijwee
Department of Neurology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Loes C A
LC
Rutten-Jacobs
Department of Neurology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Pauline
P
Schaapsmeerders
Department of Neurology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Ewoud J
EJ
van Dijk
Department of Neurology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
Frank-Erik
FE
de Leeuw
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D055815:Young Adult