Table of contents:
- The main cause of stroke in adolescents
- 1. Sickle cell anemia
- 2. Congenital vascular disorders
- 3. Heart disease or heart malformations
- 4. Hypertension
- 5. Infection
- 6. Migraine
- 7. Cancer
- 8. High cholesterol
- 9. Hormone therapy, steroid use, birth control pills, and teenage pregnancy
- 11. Medicines
- Symptoms of stroke in adolescents
Teenage strokes are rare. The most common stroke age group is adults over the age of 65. Children with certain health problems and pregnant women can have a small increase in the risk of stroke, but in adolescents it is a different matter.
The main cause of stroke in adolescents
Teens who have had strokes often have one or more of the medical problems that affect blood clots and strokes among the following conditions.
1. Sickle cell anemia
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood condition and causes blood clots to be caused by a process called "sickling," or a characteristic change in the shape of red blood cells in response to physical stress such as infection. This blood clot can form anywhere on the body, and if the blood clot forms in the brain or travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.
2. Congenital vascular disorders
Examples such as brain aneurysms and arterial malformations may cause clots, resulting in ischemic strokes, but are more likely to rupture, causing hemorrhagic strokes.
3. Heart disease or heart malformations
It can result in an irregular heartbeat, heart function problems or a heart attack, all of which can lead to a stroke. Congenital heart disease is generally diagnosed at a very early age, but teenagers should have regular health checks to detect and treat the types of problems that occur.
4. Hypertension
It is uncommon in teenagers, and it is usually a sign of a medical illness such as a hormonal imbalance. Untreated hypertension can irritate blood vessels and can lead to heart disease or stroke.
5. Infection
Especially severe infections, can interfere with the immune system and blood cells so that it can increase blood clotting, and cause a stroke, may occur. The best way to protect yourself against serious infections is to stay up to date on immunizations.
6. Migraine
It is rarely associated with strokes, but teenagers who suffer from migraines experience slightly higher rates of stroke, and should do a thorough medical evaluation to determine whether a migraine is just a mild migraine or whether it is actually a mini stroke.
7. Cancer
Promotes blood clot formation due to changes in body physiology and also as a consequence of some anticancer treatments.
8. High cholesterol
It is relatively rare in adolescents, but there are several inherited metabolic disorders that can cause blood cholesterol levels to rise, and can lead to heart disease and cerebrovascular disease, increasing the risk of stroke.
9. Hormone therapy, steroid use, birth control pills, and teenage pregnancy
All can change the body's hormones, blood vessel physiology and blood clotting function, increasing the risk of stroke.
10. Head trauma, concussion or other severe trauma
Causes disorders in the body, and has an impact on ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes for young people.
11. Medicines
Can cause stroke at any age. Use of cigarettes, energy drinks, caffeine pills or recreational drugs are major risk factors for stroke.
Symptoms of stroke in adolescents
It's not uncommon for teens to have a stroke. Teenagers may not complain about the symptoms of the disease. If your teen has any of the following symptoms, he or she should get medical care right away:
- Severe headache
- Vision changes
- Limp
- Confusion
- Trouble speaking
- Difficulty understanding
- Unusual behavior
- Decreased alertness
- Difficulty walking
- Poor balance
Stroke in teenagers can be life changing. Learn more about how parents and teenagers get help and support. Post-stroke rehabilitation can help teens achieve the best results that lead to a happy, healthy, and productive life.
