Former “Beverly Hills, 90210” star Luke Perry died from a massive stroke on March 4, 2019. Amongst the tributes, many people asked the same question: “Wasn’t he too young to die from a stroke?” Or “Can young adults even have a stroke?”
Perry was 52. According to the CDC, while your stroke risk increases with age, 34 percent of people hospitalized for stroke in 2009 were younger than 65.
Each year, nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. experience a new or recurrent stroke, according to the American Stroke Association. Recent research shows an uptick in the number of strokes in young adults between the ages of 35 to 44.
The reason? Research points to the rise in conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity, which are some of the leading risks factors for stroke.
We don’t know what caused Perry’s stroke. But the takeaway: it’s never too soon to focus on stroke prevention. A healthy diet and exercise play a critical role in preventing stroke, as well as cardiovascular disease.
Stroke Care at UVA
Virginia has just 3 Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Centers, and we’re one of them. Learn more about stroke care at UVA.
Recognizing Stroke Symptoms: Minutes Matter
When it comes to stroke diagnosis and treatment, timing is everything. Stroke interrupts blood flow to the brain and deprives it of oxygen, resulting in the loss of around two million neurons per minute, according to vascular neurologist Nicole Chiota-McCollum, MD. So the sooner you receive treatment, the less damage will be done to the brain and the higher your chances of a complete recovery.
This is why it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of stroke and know how to respond. A key phrase to remember is BEFAST:
B for a loss of balance or coordination
E for eyes — double vision or lack of vision in one eye
F for face drooping
A for arm weakness
Suspect a Stroke?
If you see stroke symptoms, call 911 right away.
S for speech difficulty
T for time to call 911
By educating yourself on these common signs, you can help ensure that you or your loved one gets the right treatment at the right time.
We originally published this in 2017 and updated it in March 2019.
I experienced a stroke approximately 8 years ago. Is it possible you can give me some tips on how to increase my strengths. Due to the lack of limitations I find it hard to do perform simple house work tasks.If you can give me some suggestions I would really appreciate it. Thank you for your time and cooperation with this matter. I can be contact at the email below.
Sincerely,
D. Engram
My 48 yo son’s first indication that he had A FIB was a massive stroke that left him paralyzed. Both parents have A FIB so adult children should be aware of a possible genetic link. He had a funny feeling in his left jaw and had trouble chewing for two days before the stroke-the thought it might be TMJ. The doctors said he was having a stroke with the jaw symptom.My advice-any thing that is unusual and persisting for a few hours-go to the doctor or ER. Better to be safe than sorry!