You can be young and still get a stroke

The combination of paralysis in one half of the body, slurred speech and dizziness is a telltale sign of a stroke. — dpa

Strokes can affect anyone, young and old alike, and some 10% to 15% of strokes affect people below the age of 55, according to figures in the United States and Germany.

A stroke is when your brain doesn't get enough oxygen due to a blocked or burst blood vessel.

Here are some of the risk factors for those who are relatively young.

Strokes frequently affects women more often than men, and medical experts point to the greater risk of combining taking the pill, smoking and migraines where you have an aura or visual disturbance.

There are other risk factors that play a role in many diseases, namely too little exercise, obesity and high blood pressure.

Lifestyle is not always the decisive factor when it comes to the risk of having a stroke. For the very young, aged between 18 and 35, strokes are usually caused by heart defects, genetic factors or a tear in the carotid artery.

The one bit of good news is that younger people have a far higher chance of survival if they have a stroke, compared to older people, as long as they get help quickly.

Signs that someone is having a stroke include difficulty finding words, visual disturbances and a sudden headache. A wobbly gait or if their face is drooping or contorted on one side show the paralysis of half of the body that is typical for a stroke.

Check if the person is able to smile with sides of their mouth, raise their arms equally high and turn their palms upwards. Can they speak clearly?

If not, call the emergency services immediately. – dpa