New Delhi: A silent brain stroke, also known as a silent cerebral infarction, is a type of stroke that occurs without any noticeable symptoms. Unlike typical strokes, where symptoms such as sudden weakness, speech difficulties, or facial drooping are evident, silent strokes can go undetected for years. They often get discovered incidentally during brain imaging done for other reasons. Despite their subtlety, these strokes can cause significant damage to brain tissue and may lead to cognitive decline or increase the risk of future strokes.
Silent stroke is also known as a small stroke and it occurs in a specific part of the brain where blood circulation gets disrupted. However, suffering from a small stroke is not that serious, yet it is imperative to get medical help immediately.
High-risk groups for silent stroke
Some groups of people, particularly patients with certain health problems, are more prone to suffering from a silent stroke. These include:
Hypertension patients
Older adults
People who follow a sedentary lifestyle
Diabetics
Heart patients
Obese people
Why do silent brain strokes happen?
A silent stroke occurs when blood circulation to a part of the brain is temporarily disrupted. As a result, tissues start to die, and this is often a consequence of small blood clots that narrow down blood vessels. While it may appear as a not-so-serious situation, over time, this injury can aggravate and cumulatively cause irreversible damage.
Subtle Signs Not to Miss
Though often symptomless, silent strokes may present with:
Loss of memory
Loss of thinking ability
Changes in motor skills
Inability to balance
Sudden changes in mood and personality
Daily Habits That Can Contribute
Unhealthy lifestyle choices that increase the risk include:
Smoking
Not exercising
Weight gain
Diabetes
Hypertension
Drinking too much alcohol
Irregular heartbeat
Can a silent stroke cause death?
Doctors say that a silent stroke may not necessarily be fatal immediately. However, ignoring it for too long can further intensify the risks and may lead to loss of brain function in the long run.
Tips to prevent silent stroke
Doctors say that the following tips can help prevent a silent stroke:
Blood pressure management
Healthy diet
Eating fruits and vegetables
Blood sugar management
Exercising
Quit smoking
Limit alcohol intake
Doctors say that a silent stroke may not necessarily be fatal immediately. However, ignoring it for too long can further intensify the risks and may lead to loss of brain function in the long run. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
