Ischaemic Stroke in the Young

Stroke in the young is different, complex, and challenging. This book delivers a comprehensive review of the different aspects of young ischaemic stroke. Incidence, risk factors, and aetiology differ notably from those seen in the elderly. There is an increased prevalence of traditional risk factors already at a young age, but the book also focuses on special risk factors in young stroke patients. In many young stroke patients, aetiology remains unclear. The book outlines an extensive diagnostic workup and a stroke subtype classification adapted for young strokes. Gender differences are prevalent in young stroke. The book describes risk factors that are either unique or more prevalent in women and the importance of treating them aggressively. Stroke symptoms in children are comparable to those in adults, but there is a dramatic bystander delay in diagnosing the stroke. The text therefore also deals with rapid stroke recognition and adaption to the special needs in children. Young stroke patients are under-represented in randomized controlled treatment trials. In the emergency setting, unusual clinical findings and off-label situations may be faced and the decision-making process may be challenging. Recommendations for secondary prevention are also mainly extrapolated from studies in older individuals. The authors extrapolate data and draw conclusions on the acute and prophylactic treatment of young stroke. Prognosis after young stroke is poor. Even minor stroke may have devastating life-long consequences for quality of life, education, and working capacity. The book points to the opportunity for lifelong prevention of vascular events.