• Aubrey Hasley, 22, experienced a stroke after initially being misdiagnosed with vertigo, underscoring the need for greater awareness of stroke symptoms in young people.
• Hasley's stroke was linked to a congenital heart defect (PFO), which allowed a blood clot to travel to her brain, highlighting the differing risk factors for stroke in younger individuals compared to older adults.
• Dr. Mohammad Anadani emphasizes the increasing trend of strokes in young people, especially females, and the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment to improve outcomes.

Aubrey Hasley, a 22-year-old from the Chicago area, experienced a stroke after initially experiencing symptoms such as ringing in her ears (tinnitus) and dizziness. Her initial visit to the emergency room resulted in a misdiagnosis of vertigo. As her symptoms worsened, including double vision, loss of control on her right side, facial drooping, jaw numbness and slurred speech, doctors eventually diagnosed a stroke. She underwent a thrombectomy to remove the clot. The event highlights the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms, which spell out FAST (Facial weakness, Arm or leg weakness, Slurred speech, Time) and seeking immediate medical attention, even in younger individuals.

• What: Aubrey Hasley, then 22, experienced a stroke after initially being misdiagnosed with vertigo. She underwent a thrombectomy and later had a procedure to repair a patent foramen ovale (PFO).
• Who: Aubrey Hasley, Dr. Mohammad Anadani (chief of neuroendovascular services at the Endeavor Health Neurosciences Institute), Meghan Holohan (reporter).
• When: The stroke occurred in June of the previous year (likely 2023 based on the article being written in late 2024). Hasley underwent PFO repair in August 2024.
• Where: Chicago area, Arlington Heights, Illinois (Endeavor Health Neurosciences Institute).

The article highlights a critical issue: the under-recognition of stroke symptoms in young people, leading to potential misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Aubrey Hasley's experience underscores the importance of both public awareness and physician vigilance regarding stroke risk at all ages. The increasing trend of strokes in young females, as noted by Dr. Anadani, warrants further investigation into potential causes and preventative measures. The article also emphasizes the role of congenital heart defects like PFO as a risk factor for stroke in younger individuals, which differs from the typical risk factors associated with stroke in older adults (high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes). The article also shows the important of listening to your body, even if medical professional diagnose you with something else. Hasley knew something was wrong and advocated for herself.

I was definitely very scared and really hoping and praying for the best.

We are seeing an increasing trend in young people, especially in females. Stroke can happen in any age.

Anytime you think it’s stroke, just call it a stroke until proven otherwise.

It’s one thing to learn about it and try to carry out the empathy, but it’s really been another thing to be on the patient side and know what it’s like to go through something traumatic.

Aubrey Hasley's story serves as a powerful reminder that stroke can occur at any age and that recognizing symptoms early is crucial for timely intervention. The initial misdiagnosis of her stroke as vertigo underscores the need for increased awareness among both the public and medical professionals. Her experience as a future healthcare provider has also shaped her perspective on patient care. Continued research and awareness campaigns are essential to address the increasing trend of strokes in young people and improve outcomes.