In recent years, the rise in stroke cases among young adults has made it crucial to recognize its common symptoms. Many believe that strokes are only common at the older adults, but that’s not the case.

Certain factors that contribute to this condition at the young population include unhealthy lifestyle, chronic stress, recreational drug use, birth control pills that include estrogen, as well as increasing prevalence of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

The American Heart Association reports that the number of strokes at young adults have increased 40 percent in recent years. In fact, around 10-15 percent of strokes affect people aged 18 to 45.

“While the medical community has made significant improvements to reduce the severity and complications of strokes with early interventions, these efforts are of limited value if patients do not recognize stroke symptoms,” Dr. Khurram Nasir, chief of the division of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center in Texas, said.

“Time is critical for treating stroke. The earlier people recognize symptoms, the better their chances are to reduce long-term disability from stroke,”he added.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or disrupted.

Strokes can cause brain damage and death. In fact, stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Some symptoms of stroke at young adults include:

1. Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body: weakness, numbness, or tingling, especially on one side of the body (face, arm, or leg) can be a sign of clogged blood arteries or brain hemorrhage.

2. Difficulty speaking or understanding speech: slurred speech, or trouble formulating words is a common sign of someone experiencing a stroke.

3. An abrupt, intense headache: a severe headache that comes abruptly may be seen as a sign of stoke.

4. Dizziness and loss of balance: sudden difficulty walking and lack of coordination may refer to an impact of the cerebellum, the part of the brain that coordinates balance, movement, and posture.

5. Vision issues: blurred vision, double vision, loss of vision in one eye, and sensitivity to light can also be a symptom of stroke in young adults.

If you or someone you know exhibits any of the main symptoms of a stroke, seek medical help right away.