Strokes may happen to young people too

When stroke occurs in a person of advanced age, people often are not surprised. Yet when stroke occurs in a 36-year old woman, it grabs attention. In the case of Carolina Ortiz Menchaca, stroke never entered her mind when she awoke with a severe headache and dizziness. Dr. Karin Olds, director of Saint Luke's stroke program, says stroke may happen at any age, so it is important for people to know the warning signs:

FAST

F = Facial droop

A = Arm weakness

S = Speech slurred or garbled

T = Time and seek medical attention immediately - Call 911

Dr. Olds also recommends watching for these other stroke symptoms:

  • severe dizziness
  • severe headache
  • sudden visual loss
  • sudden onset of weakness and/or numbness on one side of the body or the other

Learn more about stroke and take a free risk assessment to see if you are at risk for having a stroke.

Schedule an appointment with Saint Luke's Neurological Consultants. 

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May. 24, 2017

FOX4: Saint Luke's doctors use technology that leads to a quicker recovery for stroke victims
Saint Luke’s Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute is a national leader in stroke reversal. We treat more than 1,100 stroke patients each year from the Kansas City region and well beyond.

Karin E Olds, MD

Vascular Neurology, Neurology