Is stroke hereditary? Neurologist answers

If your family has a history of stroke, can you pass that risk on to your children?

On Tuesday’s episode of “Unang Hirit,” Dr. John Aldwin Co, a neurologist from the Philippine Neurological Association, said there can be an inherited component to stroke, particularly among younger patients.

Co explained that stroke is uncommon among children, such as infants and kids below 10. So, in these cases, doctors typically look beyond the usual lifestyle-related risk factors.

“It could be due to abnormal development, genetic abnormalities or conditions that can be inherited, or even infections that can cause inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain,” the doctor said in Filipino.

The doctor suggests looking closely at a patient’s family history when assessing the risk.

“It is very important that if there is a risk factor or a family history, we pay close attention to it and look into the medical history of their relatives,” Co said.

Nevertheless, regarding of age, the doctor said recognizing the signs of stroke and seeking immediate medical attention are crucial.

The common symptoms of stroke include:

• Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
• Facial drooping or an uneven smile
• Numbness or weakness in an arm
• Sudden blurred or darkened vision
• Loss of balance

Co also reminded pregnant women to undergo proper checkups and remain alert to potential signs of stroke.

“Whether the patient is young or old, once we recognize these signs, we should inform the doctors immediately so that treatment can be given as soon as possible,” he added. —Hermes Joy Tunac/JCB, GMA News