Abstract: Strokes in young adults are reported as being uncommon, comprising 10%–15% of
all stroke patients. However, compared with stroke in older adults, stroke in the young has a disproportionately
large economic impact by leaving victims disabled before their most productive
years. Recent publications report an increased incidence of stroke in young adults. This is important
given the fact that younger stroke patients have a clearly increased risk of death compared
with the general population. The prevalence of standard modifiable vascular risk factors in young
stroke patients is different from that in older patients. Modifiable risk factors for stroke, such as
dyslipidemia, smoking, and hypertension, are highly prevalent in the young stroke population,
with no significant difference in geographic, climatic, nutritional, lifestyle, or genetic diversity.
The list of potential stroke etiologies among young adults is extensive. Strokes of undetermined
and of other determined etiology are the most common types among young patients according
to TOAST (Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) criteria. Prevention is the primary
treatment strategy aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality related to stroke.