Stroke Symptoms at Any Age: What You Need to Know
21:43
Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care
Host: Sandra Peebles, award-winning journalist
Published: May 27, 2026
Host: Sandra Peebles, award-winning journalist
Published: May 27, 2026
Stroke is often thought of as something that happens later in life — but more young adults are experiencing strokes, and many don’t recognize the warning signs until it’s too late. In this episode of Baptist Health Talk, host Sandra Peebles speaks with Dr. Felipe De Los Rios La Rosa, cerebrovascular neurologist and director of the stroke program at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, about why stroke risk is rising among younger adults and what people can do to protect themselves.
You’ll learn:
• Why strokes are becoming more common in adults under 55
• How recreational drug use, alcohol, vaping and marijuana may affect stroke risk
• Why being young, active or healthy does not make you immune
• The FAST warning signs everyone should know
• What a TIA or “mini stroke” really means
• Why calling 911 quickly can make a major difference
• Practical steps that may help lower your stroke risk
Dr. De Los Rios also explains why stroke symptoms can be missed in younger people, how sudden changes in speech, vision, balance or strength should never be ignored, and why prevention should start earlier than many people think.
Host: Sandra Peebles, award-winning journalist
Guest: Felipe De Los Rios La Rosa, M.D., cerebrovascular neurologist; director of Stroke Care at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute
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Felipe De Los Rios La Rosa, MD
Felipe De Los Rios La Rosa, M.D., is a cerebrovascular neurologist, the Irma Bass Endowed Chair in Stroke Neurology and director of the stroke program at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute. Dr. De Los Rios specializes in adult neurology, stroke treatment and vascular neurology. He is fluent in English and Spanish.
Prior to joining Miami Neuroscience Institute in 2016, Dr. De Los Rios served as the director of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases at SANNA Healthcare Network in Lima, Peru.
Dr. De Los Rios has been director of the stroke program at Baptist Health Baptist Hospital since 2016. Under his leadership, the program has undergone consecutive Joint Commission re-certifications as a Comprehensive Stroke Center. It has also consistently received the top American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines National Stroke Program Awards.
Dr. De Los Rios is involved in leading-edge research through NIH StrokeNet and regional partners. He has published more than 40 peer-reviewed articles in publications, including the Journal of Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases, Stroke, Neurosurgery, and the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. He has presented at numerous national and international industry events and conferences.
He has also helped start stroke programs in Latin American and the Caribbean.
Dr. De Los Rios is a fellow of the American Heart Association and has served in academic appointments at the University of Cincinnati and Florida International University.
Dr. De Los Rios bases his approach to patient care on the principles of autonomy and respect. He strives to provide individualized, patient-specific recommendations.
When he is not treating patients, Dr. De Los Rios enjoys playing tennis, reading, running and trekking.
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