Young Stroke Survivors
Young stroke survivors may face recovery challenges that are unique from those facing older survivors. The Maryland Young (MY) Stroke Center is ready to help meet those challenges.
Ours is the only stroke center in the Mid-Atlantic region that offers a specialized program for the needs of younger patients. We provide care for ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke survivors ages 18 to 50. We seek to improve the health of young stroke patients through innovative treatment, education and research.
Services at Maryland Young (MY) Stroke Center
The Maryland Young (MY) Stroke Center care team includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and primary care physicians. Our specialists have expertise in the areas of genetics, hematology, cardiology, rheumatology, infectious disease, neuropsychology and psychiatry.
Our team approach consists of evaluation and comprehensive stroke treatment by highly trained specialists who can meet your specific needs.
What to Expect
Starting with your first visit, a neurologist specially trained in stroke care for young adults will begin working with you to create a personalized management plan that addresses all aspects of stroke care, including:
- The cause(s) of your stroke
- Treatments that help decrease future stroke risk
- Behavioral health issues (if present)
- Rehabilitation needs
Resources
In addition to medical treatment, we offer comprehensive resources to further help reduce the impact of stroke on young survivors and their families, including:
- A support group in which you can share personal experiences and feelings, learn coping strategies and get other helpful information
- Community outreach and coordination
- Resources for returning to work
- Help with quitting smoking
- Transportation assistance for appointments
About 1 in 10 stroke survivors is under the age of 50. Young adults who suffer strokes in the prime of their lives are often the primary breadwinners in their family, raising children and contributing to society in other important ways. Because of this, younger stroke survivors benefit from additional resources to help them return to their lives.
In offering additional resources, we focus on:
- Healing the mind and body
- Educating you and your family
- Advocating for health equity
- Helping you live your best life
Patient Recovery
Stroke survivor Jamie Long talks about her journey to recovery.
Research
We are constantly learning about and discovering better ways to prevent and treat stroke. You are encouraged to learn more about the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s (UMSOM) research on stroke prevention in young adults.
Some exciting current research activities include:
- Genetics and Young Stroke Survivors
- Return to Work Among Young Stroke Survivors
- Smoking Cessation Among Young African American Stroke Survivors
Our Staff
In addition to our multidisciplinary team of care specialists, our program is supported by a strong leadership team and dedicated staff who enhance our focus on the specific needs of young stoke survivors and research development.
Our staff includes a clinical program manager, a program coordinator and a social worker. We also have nurse navigators who assist with follow-up appointments, patient education, smoking cessation and other guidance related to outpatient care.
Leadership
Carolyn A. Cronin, MD, PhD, FAAN
Associate Professor of Neurology
Medical Director, Maryland Young Stroke Center
Steven J. Kittner, MD, MPH
Professor of Neurology
Senior Medical and Research Advisor
Social Work
Lakeisha Mixon, LCSW-C
Licensed Social Worker
Staff
Caitlin Palmisano, CRNP
Clinical Program Manager
Devin Williams, MS, RN
Program Coordinator
Make an Appointment
To learn more about the Maryland Young (MY) Stroke Center or make an appointment, call 410-328-5803.
