A silent stroke (also called asymptomatic cerebral infarction) is a type of stroke that displays no outward or evident symptoms. Usually, the patient who suffers such stroke attacks is not aware of it or cannot remember any symptoms experienced. Therefore, silent stroke victims may not have obvious or associated impairments like slurred speech, feeling of numbness and difficulties of movement of body parts.
Like ischemic strokes, silent strokes are caused when blood supply is disrupted to the brain. But in this case, the portion of the brain affected may not hamper speech or movement as in the case of a typical patient with stroke symptoms. That makes it extremely difficult to know whether a stroke has occurred or not. However, the stroke effects are cumulative and may result in permanent damage to neurological functions in the long run. So patients may witness slight memory problems in recollecting events or face difficulties in paying attention.
Since silent stroke is usually unanticipated, potentially understanding stroke risk is important so that preventive measures may be taken to proactively avoid the attack itself. Some of the risk factors likely to cause this stroke are:
- Presence of blood clots
- Prevailing health conditions and chronic ailments like high blood pressure(hypertension) and diabetes
- Narrowing of blood arteries
- Unregulated blood lipid profile(especially high cholesterol)
Some Subtle Changes to be noticed after Silent Stroke
- Memory issues
- Emotional instability and loss of control(for example laughing or crying at inappropriate times)
- Changes to the prevailing style of walking
- Getting lost in known places
- Difficulty in making decisions
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
Detection of Silent Stroke
Patients may have mild memory problems or face difficulties in moving around. Many people without apparent symptoms may suffer about ten percent of brain damage. Physicians are capable of identifying the effects of silent stroke even without detailed tests. The non-functioning brain cells may be seen as lesions or white spots through imaging tests.
Treatment for Silent Stroke
Intervention through appropriate therapy and medications are beneficial in stimulating brain portions so that lost abilities may be regained. The various therapists who assist in silent stroke recovery are physical therapists or physiotherapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists and sociologists. Doctors may also prescribe some Alzheimer’s medications for treating memory-related issues.
Some of the remedies that help to overcome impaired cognitive problems and memory issues are:
- Practice consistent routines by scheduling tasks at specific times of the day.
- Make a habit of putting things at appropriate places or slots so that you may not face trouble searching for it.
- To remember complicated tasks and schedules, you may use checklists, reminders, to-do lists and sequenced instruction lists.
- Keep better track of medications using labeled pill containers.
- Play memory games to sharpen your mind skills and retain your cognitive capabilities.
- Utilize the services of online payments for paying your bills so that due dates and deadlines may not be missed.
- Make it a point to diligently do stroke recovery exercises like walking, swimming, jogging, stretching, aerobics and also try relaxation techniques and meditation.
Stroke Support Programs are particularly beneficial in the overall rehabilitation of patients as they adopt a holistic treatment approach and focus on improving the independent capabilities and quality of life.
Prevention of Silent Stroke
- Monitor your blood pressure periodically if you are prone to risk and keep it under control by following healthy diets and taking medicines if required.
- Ensure that the blood sugar levels are maintained.
- Quit the habit of smoking.
- Maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity.
- Reduce saturated fats and excessive salt and sugar in your meals.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet that contains plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods.
- Remain physically active by doing household chores, exercises, gardening and other activities that help in strengthening your affected limbs.
