A stroke is a condition that affects thousands of people each year, often without warning. This complex and devastating disease can strike at any moment, leaving individuals and families alike in a state of shock and despair.
Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced. This can happen due to a blockage in a blood vessel or a rupture of a blood vessel.
In light of 39-year-old rapper Da L.E.S suffering a stroke at the weekend, IOL decided spoke with Dr Themba Hadebe, the clinical executive from Bonitas Medical Fund.
Hadebe said although strokes are often perceived as a disease affecting older individuals, they can strike young adults as well.
“Strokes, often associated with older adults, can also affect young people, albeit less common. Understanding the causes, risk factors, symptoms and preventive measures is crucial for addressing this serious health issue in younger populations,” he said.
Hadebe revealed that a stroke can be caused by genetic factors, heart problems, blood vessel abnormalities, blood clotting disorders, infections and inflammatory conditions, hormonal factors and trauma.
He also mentioned lifestyle factors that can cause a stroke includes smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, alcohol, obesity, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, unhealthy diet and drug abuse.
Hadebe said when a stroke hits a younger person, it can have devastating effects not only on their physical health but also on their mental well-being.
“Up to 75% of patients will have significant cognitive impairment, including problems with memory, attention, language and perception as well as organisation of movement and thoughts. Mood disturbance is common after stroke and may present as depression or anxiety,” Hadebe said.
He also said there were no specific types of strokes that were more likely to occur in younger people.
To reverse the effects of a stroke or prevent further damage, Hadebe said thrombolysis is used – if a person is administered within 3 hours of a stroke – or a minimally invasive procedure to break up blood clots and prevent new clots from forming.
He then gave advice to young people who are concerned about their risk of stroke.
“A healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet can certainly reduce, if not minimise, the risk of having a stroke. If you feel any abnormal or unfamiliar changes to your body, it is important to consult your health practitioner immediately,” he said.
IOL Lifestyle