Stroke Training and Awareness Resources (STARs)

What might be the underlying causes of a stroke?

There are some more unusual causes of stroke which are more common in younger people (also see Topic Loops below).

A graphic which shows various unusual causes of stroke which are more common in younger people

Topic loops:

Listed below are some more unusual causes of stroke which are more common in younger people.

  • Atrial myxoma
  • Migraine
  • Cardiac emboli – including patent foramen ovale
  • Premature atherosclerosis
  • Oral contraception
  • Bacterial endocarditis
  • Artery dissection
  • Arteriovenous malformations and aneurysms
  • Recreational drugs

Page last reviewed: 05 May 2020