Long-term Mortality After Stroke Among Adults Aged 18 to 50 Years

Abstract

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality, with an annual 6 million fatal events worldwide.¹ Stroke mainly affects elderly people, yet approximately 10% of strokes occur in patients younger than 50 years.² Despite this considerable proportion, only limited data exist on long-term prognosis after stroke in adults aged 18 through 50 years.^3-9 It is exactly this long-term prognosis that is particularly important in adults in these ages, given that they have a long life expectancy during a demanding time of life in which they are beginning their families and building their careers. The term young stroke is used herein to refer to a stroke that occurs in adults aged 18 through 50 years.