Even young people suffer a stroke

Foundation: It's not only the elderly that are hit

09/11/2013

On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the German Stroke Help Foundation has pointed out that it is not just older people who are hit hard. Even children and adolescents can suffer a stroke.

Every year also 300 children affected
On its 20th anniversary, the German Stroke Assistance on Friday warned that not only older people can suffer a stroke. Also up to 14,000 adults under 50 years and 300 children are affected annually. However, this is often noticed too late. Therefore, it is important to be able to recognize a stroke correctly. This can be manifested by different symptoms, such as visual and speech disorders, dizziness, paralysis, feelings of numbness or severe headache.

Every citizen should recognize signs
The German Stroke Help was founded in 1993 by Liz Mohn, who heads her up as President today. The foundation, based in Gütersloh, deals with the prevention and early detection of strokes as well as the treatment and rehabilitation of those affected through education and improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic options. The reason for the foundation was the suspected diagnosis of stroke in the then young son of Mohn, who is a member of the supervisory board of the Bertelsmann Group. She said that one of her goals was for every citizen to know the signs of the disease.

Stroke treatable today
The neurologist and board member of the Berlin Charité and also advisor to the foundation, Karl Max Einhäupl, said that those affected should be treated as quickly as possible, otherwise the brain could be further damaged. Today, unlike at the beginning of the 1990s, the disease is treatable, according to the expert. Stroke help also contributed to this, for example by driving the construction of specialist wards in clinics and making the topic public in society.

Ambassador Verena Pooth
The ambassador of the foundation, Verona Pooth, also wants to contribute to raising awareness about risks such as overweight and lack of exercise. „As a fit mum of two children I want to be a role model with my healthy lifestyle“, so the presenter. According to the Foundation, 270,000 people in Germany suffer a stroke each year. In adults, the cerebral hemorrhage usually leads to a disability or even death. Einhäupl explained that especially the persons who already had a stroke were at risk. Most people who are older than sixty years are affected by a stroke. However, this life-threatening disease can affect younger people, even children and newborns. (Ad)