Despite medical advances and increasing awareness of strokes, this tragic and all-too common medical condition is frequently misunderstood. Almost a quarter of those who suffer from strokes are under the age of 65, and between 10% and 15% of those who suffer from stroke are 45 or younger. Strokes among those under the age of 49 could also be on the rise, according to some studies.

No matter how old we are, recovering from a stroke depends on education and quick thinking. I had a massive ischemic stroke myself fourteen years ago that left me in a state of profound devastation.