Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Presenting as Stroke in Young

Stroke is a significant public health issue, ranking as the fifth leading cause of death in the US and a major cause of mortality and disability. While predominantly affecting middle-aged and elderly populations, strokes among young adults are rising, accounting for 10%?15% of cases. Alcohol, as the most widely consumed substance of abuse, is a notable risk factor for ischemic and haemorrhagic strokes, among other cardiovascular complications. This case report presents a 30-year-old male with a history of chronic alcohol use who developed an acute infarct in the left parieto-occipital region during alcohol withdrawal. The patient exhibited cognitive and neurological impairments, including apraxia, anomia, and agnosia, with no prior history of significant comorbidities or withdrawal seizures. Imaging confirmed the infarct, and common stroke etiologies were ruled out, implicating alcohol abuse as a likely cause. This case underscores the need for heightened awareness of alcohol-related stroke risks in young adults and highlights the importance of timely diagnosis to avoid delayed treatment, particularly during withdrawal periods.