Ischaemic stroke in young adults: an overview of the classification, risk factors, aetiologies and outcomes

Ischaemic stroke in young adults is a major public health problem and accounts for 10%-15% of all cases. Moreover, young ischaemic stroke patients often suffer long-lasting disabilities that affect the most productive years of their lives and have devastating consequences and significant socioeconomic impact. The defining age range for young adults with ischaemic stroke has varied across studies, with most studies using the younger upper age limit of 45-50 years. Identifying underlying risk factors and aetiologies of ischaemic stroke in young adults is important for guiding management, improving outcomes and reducing stroke recurrence. However, this can be challenging, as the causes of stroke in young adults are more heterogeneous, diagnosis may be confounded by stroke mimics and a substantial proportion of young adults are classified as having stroke of undermined aetiology or cryptogenic stroke. This review provides an overview of the classification, risk factors, aetiologies, treatment and outcomes of ischaemic stroke in the young adult population.