TeenHealthFX - Answers - A Stroke At 21?

Diseases, Conditions & Concerns / Question
Published: September 30, 2002

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I had a transient ischaemic attack two months ago. I have read that these usually precede a full-blown stroke. What is the change of this happening? I am 21.

Signed: A Stroke At 21?

Dear A Stroke At 21?,

This must be a scary situation for you. As you probably know, a transient ischemic attack, or TIA, is a temporary blockage of the blood supply to the brain caused by a blood clot and usually lasts ten minutes or less, during which dizziness, blurring of vision, numbness on one side of the body and other symptoms of stroke may occur. These episodes are also called "ministrokes."

The difference between a TIA and a stroke is that TIA symptoms usually end after 10 to 20 minutes when the blood flow resumes. During a TIA, blood flow is interrupted for only a short period of time. However, sometimes symptoms can last up to 24 hours. Even though TIA symptoms resolve quickly, they should always be taken seriously. A TIA is a warning signal that a stroke may soon follow.

The risk factors for having a transient ischemic attack (TIA) are the same as for having a stroke. Since the only information we have from you is your age, below we have listed all of the risk factors. Look for any risks that you have and discuss them honestly with your doctor.

Risk factors you cannot change

Age. Most TIAs occur between the ages of 60 and 70.
Sex. Men are at higher risk than women. Men over the age of 60 have the highest risk of a TIA.
Race. Black and Hispanic men are at higher risk of TIA than those of other races.
Family history. People with a family history of TIA or stroke are at higher risk.
Prior history of TIA. People who have had a TIA are more likely to have another TIA or a stroke.

Diseases that increase the risk of TIA

In some cases, your risk of TIA depends on how well you are able to control your disease.

High Blood Pressure
Diabetes
Hardening of the arteries
Atrial Fibrillation and certain other heart conditions
Conditions that cause blood cells to stick together and form clots. Some blood conditions that increase the risk of stroke include having too many red blood cells and having abnormally shaped red blood cells
Migraines, especially in those women who smoke or take birth control pills

Risk factors you can change

Smoking -- a strong risk factor for stroke, TIA (and heart attack)
High cholesterol
Excessive use of alcohol
Use of birth control pills (especially in women who smoke or have a history of blood clots)
Lack of exercise
Use of cocaine

TeenHealthFX strongly urges you to follow up with your doctor. Share your concerns and any risk factors that you may with him/her ask for way to minimize your risk for future TIAs. You may want to see a neurologist or hematologist - these are the types of doctors that specialize in strokes and their causes. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 983.971.6475 for an appointment.

Signed: TeenHealthFX