STUDY OF CAUSES OF STROKE IN YOUNG POPULATION VISITING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL WITH EMPHASIS ON VASCULAR IMAGING.

Abstract

The results of a systematic analysis of patients aged 15-49 years attending stroke clinic in eastern India were evaluated based on based on clinical and imaging features from January 2012– June 2013. Out of 98 patients of stroke, the mean age of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke patients was 34.26 years and 32.81 years respectively. Of the 66 patients of ischaemic stroke, 10.4% had large artery atherosclerosis followed by cardio embolic (14.5%) and lacunar (8.3%). Among 32 haemorrhagic stroke patients, aneurysmal bleed (30%) was the most common aetiology. The stroke of other determined aetiology was 52% and in 14.5% aetiology was undetermined. It is evident that the nature and cause of stroke in young adults is different and unique, and they need different diagnostic work. Attempts must be made to formulate specic guidelines aimed at stroke detection, management, prevention, and rehabilitation in the young adults' population.