Etiology and diagnosis of stroke in the young adult

Abstract

Stroke is commonly thought of as a disease of the elderly, but it should be understood that stroke also occurs in young adults. Furthermore, it is important to appreciate the differences in epidemiology of these cohorts in order to effectively care for young adults with stroke. Diagnostic imaging has proven to be extremely valuable in management of these patients, in particular in differentiating hemorrhagic from ischemic causes of stroke.

Key words:

• stroke
• young adult
• hemorrhage
• ischemia
• diagnostic imaging