Prevention is the primary treatment strategy aimed at
reducing the morbidity and mortality related to stroke, and
adequate treatment, control of risk factors, and lifestyle
changes can prevent up to 50% of strokes. A number of
recommendations on the management and prevention of
stroke and transient ischemic attack have been published. The
guidelines of the European Stroke Organization (published in
2008 and updated in 2009)41 and the very recent guidelines for the primary prevention of stroke from the American Heart
Association/American Stroke Association42 cover stroke
prevention in detail. However, there are no specific recommendations
or guidelines for primary or secondary stroke
prevention in young adults. In general, prevention strategies
are similar for younger and older patients.