Similar to ischemic strokes, silent strokes occur when the blood supply to a part of the brain is suddenly interrupted, depriving the brain of oxygen and damaging brain cells.
Silent strokes are difficult to recognize because they disrupt blood supply to a part of the brain that doesn't control any visible functions like speech or movement. Those affected are unaware they've had a stroke.
The only way to detect a silent stroke is through an MRI or CT scan of the brain, which can reveal damage in small areas. Once diagnosed, a silent stroke needs treatment to prevent it from developing into a full-blown stroke.
Older adults are at higher risk for silent strokes, and the symptoms are often mistaken for signs of aging. These symptoms can include memory problems, slowed reflexes, loss of balance and coordination, speech difficulties, and changes in personality or mood. Other contributing factors include blood clots, high blood pressure, narrowed arteries, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
While a silent stroke usually affects only a small area of the brain, the damage can accumulate. Over time, these silent strokes can impact memory, balance, and the ability to focus. If someone has experienced multiple silent strokes, they may start to notice neurological symptoms, such as difficulty remembering or concentrating.
According to the American Stroke Association, silent strokes also increase the risk of having a symptomatic stroke in the future. They also increase the risk of vascular dementia, also known as multi-infarct dementia. Symptoms of vascular dementia include memory problems, emotional issues, changes in gait, getting lost in familiar places, difficulty making decisions, and loss of bowel and bladder control.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke, is a temporary interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain. While silent strokes have no noticeable symptoms, TIAs cause symptoms that last less than 24 hours. These symptoms can include difficulty walking, blindness or vision loss in one eye, sudden severe headaches, dizziness, and confusion.
TIAs generally have a temporary impact, meaning they don't cause permanent damage, unlike silent strokes. The effects of multiple silent strokes can accumulate and cause significant damage. Both TIAs and silent strokes can increase the risk of a major stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) in the future.
Although silent strokes are difficult to detect, there are ways to prevent them. These include managing blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels; engaging in regular physical activity; reducing salt intake; and maintaining a healthy weight. Avoiding smoking, following a heart-healthy diet, and limiting or abstaining from alcohol can also reduce the risk.
Bao Bao (According to Healthline, Very Well Health)
