Andrew’s Story Highlights a New Trend, Stroke in Young People

Andrew Salmon was 31 years old when the unthinkable happened. Like many people, Andrew thought strokes only occur in older individuals. Then one day, it happened to him.

According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rates of stroke are on the rise among younger adults. Stroke is currently the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. and is the leading cause of long-term disability.

Andrew was healthy and active. He enjoyed weight lifting and going to his local gym. He had no reason to worry about stroke–he also didn’t know the risk factors.

In July 2023, Andrew suffered a neck injury and the pain oddly continued to persist. A few days later, he was eating lunch with his wife when he suddenly couldn’t speak.

“I felt helpless,” Andrew said. “I knew something was wrong, but I couldn’t form words. It was such a whirlwind.”

He could only motion to his wife, garbled words and sounds coming out of his mouth. His wife understood something was terribly wrong. Without hesitation, they went to St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, which was only a few miles away from their home.

Strokes occur when a blood clot or broken vessel prevents blood from getting to a person’s brain. Strokes can be fatal and require immediate medical attention. Time is critical in the event of a stroke. Every second counts in preventing or reducing permanent brain damage. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health’s award-winning stroke center at St. Joseph Medical Center provided the care Andrew needed at a moment’s notice. Stroke neurologists, neuroradiologists, neurovascular surgeons and other specialists are available at all hours to quickly establish a care plan and deliver lifesaving therapies.

“Every stroke is different,” said Josh Snavely, DNP, ARNP, clinical director for neurovascular services for Franciscan Medical Group and the stroke program chair for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. “At VMFH, we provide all access care, which means from the moment you come through the doors, our team is with you throughout the entire process. We have all the services you could need in one place.”

Andrew was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

“The care team was wonderful,” said Andrew. “The team was so respectful. They answered all our questions. They even cheered me on.”

Andrew said the first 24 hours after his stroke were a blur. He needed to relearn to speak, and he slowly began taking steps again.

“I was doing power cleans and running the week before the stroke. To then be in a hospital gown connected to monitors, winded just going around the hospital unit, it was jarring.”

Andrew said the nurses applauded his milestones. When he walked around the unit, the nurses at the nursing station cheered.

After 72 hours, Andrew said he was feeling much better.

“What we hope to do is raise awareness of stroke and also talk about prevention,” said Snavely. “Understanding your numbers, like blood pressure, is very important, and making simple lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of stroke.”

Snavely says those important numbers include blood pressure, cholesterol and A1C.

“You wouldn’t know if your blood pressure was high, which is why it’s important to have it checked,” said Snavely. “There are things you can do to reduce your risk of stroke,” he continued. “Limit alcohol use, stop smoking, exercise, and eat a healthy diet.”

Andrew said hypertension runs in his family, and it’s something he now has under control.

“I am forever grateful,” Andrew said. “My wife and I have had a shift in priorities since the stroke. It’s given us a new perspective on what makes us truly happy. We remember to live. We are more selfish with our time. We travel more and see our family more. We have really leaned into our community.”

Andrew hopes his story helps raise awareness for stroke. Since having the stroke, he’s found a new passion for cycling.

“I was just a normal person,” he said. “If I can be affected, so can someone else. If I can help just one person, then it matters.”

Andrew said he’s currently training for a 200 mile cycling race.

“I want people to know there is another side of stroke,” said Andrew.

VMFH offers a stroke survivor support group for patients and families. Andrew says it’s been incredibly helpful throughout his journey. 

“The support group reminds me I am not alone in this recovery journey. We laugh, cry, support one another, and offer resources. Leaning into a community can assist the recovery journey,” he said.

Josh says stroke is treatable. Not everyone has an outcome like Andrew’s, but to have the best chance of a similar outcome, early recognition and action are crucial.

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Know the warning signs of stroke. An easy acronym to help remember is “BE FAST”: 

• B – Balance: Is the person having trouble with balance or coordination?

• E – Eyes: Is there blurry or double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes?

• F – Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Check by asking the person to smile.

• A – Arm weakness: Is one arm weak? When arms are lifted, does one drift downward?

• S – Speech difficulty: Is the person’s speech slurred or hard to understand? 

• T – Terrible headache: Is the person suddenly experiencing the worst headache of their life?

Time to call 911: If you observe any of these symptoms, call 911.

You can learn more about stroke by visiting vmfh.org/stroke. You can also take VMFH’s stroke risk assessment to better understand your risk.

“Younger people are having strokes more frequently,” said Snavely. “But there are things we can do to prevent them.”