The secret of silent strokes

We’ve all heard the stories. Weakness on one side of the body, an inability to smile properly, dizziness and major lapses in memory. The signs of a stroke are prominent … but they don’t always come with those sudden, noticeable symptoms.

Knowing the signs is important; experts estimate that nearly 15 million people suffer a stroke each year — and silent strokes make up a large part of that number. So, what do we do when the typical signs and symptoms aren’t present?

What is a silent stroke?

Similar to ischemic — or “traditional” — strokes, silent strokes are characterized by a blockage of blood flow to the brain. Unlike the strokes we see on television shows or hear our doctors talk about, silent strokes don’t present with immediate symptoms.

So, without sudden weakness, slurred speech, facial drooping and loss of balance — it’s easy for these to go unnoticed. But just because there aren’t any warning signs, doesn’t mean that there’s no damage.

Over time, these silent strokes can accumulate and cause impaired brain function.

What symptoms do silent strokes cause?

The changes are small and easy to miss or attribute to something else. Most commonly, silent strokes can cause lapses in memory, confusion, mood changes, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

Many silent strokes are discovered through MRI or CT scans performed for another reason. Often, people learn they’ve had a silent stroke while being evaluated for an unrelated illness or injury.

Who is at risk for silent strokes?

The causes of a silent stroke are the same as any other kind of stroke.

• High blood pressure — it weakens the blood vessels in the brain.
• Atrial fibrillation — irregular heartbeat can lead to blood clots.
• Diabetes — affects the integrity of the blood vessels.
• Smoking — damages the cardiovascular system.
• Aging and family history — increases vulnerability due to genetics.

Things like poor diet, lack of exercise and excessive alcohol use are also factored into a person’s risk level.

How are silent strokes prevented or caught?

Because silent strokes often go unnoticed, taking the steps to protect your brain health today can make a meaningful difference down the road.

If you have an annual physical exam scheduled, ask your doctor to perform a cognitive assessment or neurological assessment. These kinds of exams can help your doctor spot changes in memory, thinking or other areas of brain function and determine whether additional testing may be helpful.

To lower your risk of silent strokes, try adjusting your lifestyle to be heart and brain healthy.

• Eat a diet full of fruits, veggies and whole grains.
• Exercise regularly — most experts recommend 30 minutes a day.
• If you smoke, quit.
• Limit your alcohol use.
• Keep an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

You can also speak to your health care provider about a prevention plan that would be best for you and your needs.

Staying one step ahead

Any kind of stroke is a scary possibility. But with the proper prevention, care and advice from your health care provider, your risk lowers by a significant amount.

Taking the steps to prevent silent strokes doesn’t just protect you, but protects your loved ones too. And you can continue doing all the things you love without worrying too much about tomorrow.