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What is silent stroke?

Symptoms such as paralysis, difficulty speaking, or weakness in any part of the body are commonly associated with a stroke. But do you know that sometimes stroke can occur even without any obvious symptoms? In medical language it is called “silent stroke” or “silent brain infarct”. This condition comes to light when it is detected in MRI scans done due to other problems like headache. Although this type of stroke does not cause immediate paralysis, it can lead to dementia, memory loss, and an increased risk of major strokes in the future. According to Dr Ritu Jha, Director of Neurology at Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, a silent stroke should never be taken lightly.

Silent Stroke Symptoms and Risks

This condition occurs when small blood vessels in the brain are affected, increasing the risk of serious neurological problems in the future. Let us know what silent stroke is, what are its symptoms and what can be done to avoid it.

What is silent brain infarct?
According to Dr. Ritu, when blood flow to a small part of the brain stops for some time, the cells in that part start getting damaged. If this damage occurs in a place where there are no immediately visible symptoms, the patient may not even know that he has had a stroke. This condition is called “silent brain infarct”. Although the patient may feel normal, over time, many such small strokes can damage brain function.

Who is most at risk?

Experts say people with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, heart disease or irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation), as well as smokers, people affected by genetic factors and individuals above 60 years of age are at higher risk of silent stroke.

Identification with MRI

How is this detected through MRI?
Silent brain infarcts are usually diagnosed with an MRI scan. Often, a patient gets this test because of problems like headache or dizziness, and then it is discovered that he or she had previously suffered a small stroke. This test can also show areas of the brain where blood flow was previously blocked.

risk of dementia

Does this increase the risk of dementia?
Dr. Ritu explains that if several silent strokes occur over time, the brain cells continue to deteriorate. This may increase the risk of vascular dementia. Therefore, it is very important to control the risk factors when silent stroke is detected. According to him, controlling risk factors in time and getting proper treatment can significantly reduce the risk of serious stroke and memory problems in future.

Silent stroke prevention

How can this be stopped?
According to experts, to avoid silent stroke, it is necessary to control blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. One should avoid smoking and tobacco, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, get adequate sleep and take medicines regularly as per the doctor’s advice. People who are at high risk of stroke should get regular health checkups done.