Symptoms like paralysis, trouble speaking or weakness in one part of the body are linked to brain stroke. But do you know that sometimes stroke can occur without any obvious symptoms? Medically, it is called silent stroke or silent brain infarct. This situation is detected when its marks are visible in the brain through an MRI done due to headache or other reasons.
This type of stroke does not cause immediate paralysis, but it can lead to dementia, memory loss and an increased risk of major stroke. Dr. Ritu Jha (Director and HOD, Neurology Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad) According to this, we should not take silent stroke lightly.
This indicates that the small blood vessels of the brain are being affected and the risk of serious neurological problems may increase in the future. Let us tell you what is silent stroke? What are its symptoms and what can be done to prevent it.
What is Silent Brain Infarct?
Dr. Ritu says that when blood flow stops for some time in a small part of the brain, the cells there start getting damaged. If this damage occurs in a place where obvious symptoms are not immediately visible, the patient may not even realize that he has had a stroke. This situation is called silent brain infarct. Although the patient may feel normal, many such small strokes over time can affect brain function.
Who are most at risk?
Experts said that high blood pressure patients, people suffering from diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking or tobacco consumption, obesity, heart disease or irregular heartbeat (Atrial Fibrillation), genetics and people above 60 years of age are at higher risk of silent stroke.
How is it detected in MRI?
Silent brain infarct is usually identified by MRI. Many times the patient gets this test done due to headache, dizziness or any other reason and he sees old small stroke marks. This test can also show those parts of the brain where blood flow was previously disrupted.
Does this increase the risk of dementia?
Dr. Ritu explains that if many silent strokes keep happening over time, then the brain cells get continuously damaged. This may increase the risk of vascular dementia. This is why it is very important to control the risk factors after silent stroke is identified.
According to him, by controlling the risk factors on time and with proper treatment, the risk of future serious stroke and memory related problems can be reduced to a great extent.
Also read: Why is climbing stairs considered a great exercise? Know its big benefits
How to protect?
According to experts, to prevent silent stroke, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol should be controlled. Stay away from smoking and tobacco, do regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, get adequate sleep and take medicines regularly as per doctor’s advice. People who are at high risk of stroke should get regular health checkups done.
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