A silent or stealth stroke is a type of stroke that has no obvious symptoms and goes undetected for some time. They are often referred to as ‘silent’ or ‘ stealth’ strokes because they have subtle symptoms that go unnoticed. A person might think they’re just having another bad day or being overly sensitive. And so the effects of an undiagnosed stroke can sneak up on the patient.
A silent stroke occurs when there is a blockage to an artery in your brain that doesn’t allow blood to pass through it. It is different from other types of strokes because it does not happen as a result of a tear in the blood vessel, which can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and obesity.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Silent Stroke?
Any of the following symptoms could indicate a silent stroke. It’s important to note that not all of these symptoms are exclusive to silent strokes. Some can be indicative of other health issues such as high blood pressure, stroke, traumatic brain injury and even a tumor. If you have any of the following symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.
– Fatigue: A sudden increase in fatigue is a common symptom following a stroke. But it can also be a result of several other health issues, so it’s important to rule out stroke as a possibility by seeing your doctor as soon as possible.
– Changes In Vision: If you notice changes in your vision, like blurred vision, double vision, loss of peripheral vision or any other visual changes, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.
– Changes In Mood: Any sudden shifts in your mood, like depression, anxiety or irritability, could be a sign something is wrong.
– Changes In Cognition: If you start experiencing issues with memory loss or a reduction in cognitive function, you should seek medical attention right away.
– Headaches: Any type of headache, whether it’s a sharp pain in the back of the head, or a more general, ache-y feeling, could be a sign of a stroke.
How Are Silent Strokes Diagnosed?
A doctor can usually diagnose a silent stroke by evaluating the signs and symptoms of the condition. They’ll also make sure you’re not at risk of a full-blown stroke, as the symptoms of both conditions are very similar. The doctor will usually perform a neurological exam to rule out other conditions and make sure there isn’t any permanent damage following the stroke.
After the exam, you may be sent for an MRI scan to get a more accurate diagnosis and see if there’s any damage. Your doctor may also perform an ultrasound of your carotid arteries to check for blockages in the arteries in your neck. This is a fairly new treatment used to diagnose a silent stroke, so you may have to ask your doctor about it if you think you may have had one.
What Happens After A Silent Stroke?
After a diagnosis has been made, the doctor may prescribe you medications like blood thinners to prevent another stroke. They may also suggest lifestyle changes such as exercise, eating a healthy diet and quitting any harmful habits like smoking. If you’re at high risk of developing a full-blown stroke, your doctor may suggest medication to lower your blood pressure. You may also be prescribed other medications to help with any vision or cognitive issues you may be experiencing.
If you’ve had a silent stroke, it’s important to be more aware of what’s happening in your body to prevent another one from occurring. Although a silent stroke doesn’t cause any long-term damage, it’s still important to take care of your body and prevent further complications.
3 Tips To Help You Spot The Signs Of A Silent Stroke
– Listen To Your Body: The first thing you should do is listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, or you notice any changes in your body, you should go see your doctor.
– Observe Your Mood: Mood changes are one of the first things people notice in a silent stroke. If you’re feeling irritable, easily frustrated or anxious, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
– Stay Educated On Preventing Strokes: The more you know about how to prevent strokes, the better chance you have of avoiding them. A good place to start is by reading up on high blood pressure and how to prevent it.
Conclusion
A silent stroke is a type of stroke that has no obvious symptoms and goes undetected for some time. They are often referred to as ‘silent’ or ‘stealth’ strokes because they have subtle symptoms that go unnoticed. A person might think they’re just having another bad day or being overly sensitive. And so the effects of an undiagnosed stroke can sneak up on the patient.
