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Stroke isn't limited to older age groups, and young people's sudden symptoms shouldn't be blamed on fatigue or stress, according to Prof. Dr. Semih Giray, chair of the Turkish Cerebrovascular Diseases Association board.
Giray spoke to Anadolu Agency ahead of the World Stroke Day on Oct. 29. He said sudden facial asymmetry, weakness in an arm or leg, speech disorders, and vision or balance problems in a young person call for a hospital visit.
Stroke occurs when a blood vessel to the brain is blocked or ruptures, damaging brain tissue. In young people, causes include heart rhythm disorders, some heart diseases, tears in the vessel wall, clotting disorders and certain genetic or structural conditions, Giray said.
High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle also matter at younger ages.
Giray described three signs to recognize: face drooping, arm or leg weakness and speech difficulty. Sudden vision loss, double vision, loss of balance and a severe, unprecedented headache may also need emergency evaluation.
He urged people to call 112, Türkiye’s emergency number, if even one sign appears. “Waiting for symptoms to pass, trying to take the patient in our own vehicle or first trying to get an appointment at another health institution can cause a loss of time,” he said. Symptoms that resolve on their own can still signal an approaching stroke, he added.
Giray emphasized that every minute counts during treatment because oxygen and blood deprivation rapidly damage brain tissue. For blockages, doctors can give clot-dissolving drugs through a vein, and a catheter procedure called mechanical thrombectomy can remove clots in large vessels.
Eligibility depends on when symptoms began, imaging results, the blockage location and the patient’s condition. He said full recovery cannot be guaranteed in every case.
Giray recommended regular blood pressure checks, monitoring of diabetes and cholesterol, a diet rich in vegetables, fruit and whole grains, and at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week where suitable. He said research on electronic cigarettes is continuing and current data do not support considering them safe.
“Gaining protective habits at an early age contributes to protecting brain and vessel health in the long term,” Giray said.
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