Stroke is still widely considered a disease of old age, yet across Africa, a worrying shift is occurring. Increasingly, children, teenagers, and young adults are experiencing stroke, with serious impacts on education, productivity, and long-term family stability. Despite remaining under-recognised, stroke in young people has become an urgent public health issue.  

Among African children, sickle cell disease is a leading cause of illness. The genetic disorder alters red blood cells, causing them to block brain blood vessels and deprive the brain of oxygen. Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa shows that without preventive care, between three and 17 per cent of affected children will experience a stroke. This estimate is likely conservative due to weak diagnostic systems, delayed treatment, stigma, and financial barriers. Infections such as meningitis, cerebral tuberculosis, HIV, and severe malaria also increase risk by damaging blood vessels. Heart conditions, including rheumatic and congenital heart disease, as well as clotting disorders and vascular abnormalities, also contribute to the risk.  

In teenagers and young adults, these medical risks intersect with emerging lifestyle factors. Hypertension, smoking, obesity, alcohol misuse, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity are increasingly contributing to early strokes. Smoking is particularly detrimental, accelerating vascular damage and clot formation even before midlife.  

Certain triggers further increase risk in vulnerable children, such as severe dehydration, uncontrolled fever, trauma to the head or neck, chronic illnesses, and complications during pregnancy or labour. Limited access to quality antenatal and emergency care in many settings worsens these dangers. Notably, up to one-third of paediatric stroke cases have no identifiable cause.  

Early recognition remains a significant challenge. While older children may show sudden weakness, speech difficulties, or vision issues, infants often display subtle signs that are easily misdiagnosed. Delayed diagnosis frequently hinders prompt treatment.  

Although a stroke in young people can be devastating, children’s brains have a greater ability to reorganise and recover. Strengthening prevention, screening, and early response systems is therefore crucial to tackling what is quickly becoming a significant but often overlooked health crisis. 

(Source: Daily Nation)