Strokes in young people: the case of John Singleton shows that they are possible

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Singleton, the first black filmmaker nominated for best director Oscar, was best known for films like "Boyz n the Hood" and "Poetic Justice".

In March, 52-year-old actor Luke Perry was the victim of a "severe stroke" that eventually resulted in his death.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death among adults in the United States and the leading cause of disability, according to the American Stroke Association. However, the deaths of Singleton and Perry have stunned Hollywood and the public, recalling that attacks can occur even at a relatively young age.

"Although stroke often affects the elderly, it's not just an elderly disease," said Mitchell S.V. Elkind, chair of the advisory board of the American Stroke Association. "There is evidence that stroke rates among young people are increasing in the United States, and this requires additional research."

John Singleton, & # 39; Boyz n the Hood & # 39; director, died at 51
A study conducted in 2017 showed that between 2003 and 2012, rates of hospitalization following ischemic stroke in adults aged 35 to 44 years had increased by 41.5% among men and 30% among women. The researchers also found a near-doubling of risk factors in men and women who were subsequently hospitalized for ischemic stroke.
Ischemic strokes occur when a blood clot or plaque obstructs a vessel carrying blood to the brain, thus preventing the supply of oxygen. Strokes can also be haemorrhagic, when a blood vessel has broken up and blood that is spilling into or around the brain creates swelling and pressure that damages the brain tissue.

Ischemic stroke accounts for approximately 87% of all stroke, according to the American Stroke Association, which highlights the importance of understanding risk factors.

Risk factors

Risk factors fall into two categories: modifiable or treatable and improved; and non-modifiable, or those out of the control of the patient.

Of the modifiable risk factors, hypertension represents the greatest threat of stroke, according to the American Stroke Association. Smoking, diabetes, a diet high in saturated fats, high cholesterol levels, physical inactivity and obesity are other modifiable factors.

What happens during a cerebrovascular accident

Unmodifiable risk factors include age, gender, and race. Women are known to be at greater risk than men and African-Americans are more exposed than Caucasians, in part because of higher rates of obesity, hypertension and diabetes.

The first signs

The association also notes the importance of early recognition. Spot the first signs of a stroke and seek help quickly can reduce the long-term effects.

To identify these early signs, the organization recommends using F.A.S.T. Acronym: If you see a drooping face, arm weakness, or slurred speech, it is time to call 911.

Other symptoms include sudden numbness in the legs, sudden confusion or difficulty seeing, sudden dizziness or loss of balance, or sudden severe headache.

CNN's Christina Maxouris, Sandra Gonzalez, Cheri Mossburg and Jacque Wilson Smith contributed to this story.

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