Can You Have a Stroke Without Knowing? Explained Clearly | Credihealth

When you think of a stroke, it seems like a dramatic and sudden event, like numbness, slurred speech, paralysis, or collapse. But, can you have a stroke and not know it? It is not only possible, but also surprising. It’s known as a “silent stroke,” which is surprisingly common, causing lasting damage without you ever realizing it. Here’s what you need to know, why it matters, and how to protect yourself. Read on!

What Is a Silent Stroke?

A silent stroke (also called asymptomatic cerebrovascular infarction) is a type of stroke that occurs due to a temporary lack of blood flow to the brain area. Around 25% of individuals above 80 years of age had at least suffered from this stroke without knowing it. It does not produce any immediate and noticeable symptoms. But that does not mean it is harmless. The effects can quietly accumulate. Over time, multiple silent strokes can lead to:

• Movement problems
• Memory loss
• Cognitive decline
• Even vascular dementia
• Cognitive decline
• Even vascular dementia

Can You Have a Stroke and Not Know It?

Wondering, “Is it possible to have a stroke without knowing?” Yes, it’s possible to have a stroke (a silent stroke) and not realize it. This type of stroke often occurs in those brain areas that do not regulate vital functions such as movement and speech, making it go unnoticed. Though silent, they can be harmful, especially when you suffer several silent strokes.

Research shows that, over time, silent stroke or silent brain infarction can increase the chances of symptomatic stroke (stroke with symptoms) in the future. In addition, in the long term, it also leads to the risk of vascular dementia with symptoms such as challenges with reasoning, judgment, memory, planning, and other thought processes. Though silent strokes go unnoticed, it is crucial to be aware of potential symptoms to seek immediate medical help. 

Symptoms of Stroke: Take the FAST Test

Recognizing the symptoms early can save many lives. Use the “FAST” test to identify signs of stroke:

• Face drooping: One facial side might droop or feel numb.
• Arm weakness: Unable to raise one arm or feel sudden numbness.
• Speech difficulty: Slurred speech.
• Time: Call 911 for immediate emergency help if you experience any signs.

Also, look for other silent stroke symptoms that are often mistaken for normal aging:

• Mild, sudden weakness or numbness (especially on one side of the body)
• Confusion or difficulty speaking and understanding
• Blurred or double vision, and vision loss
• Difficulty walking, loss of balance, or dizziness
• Sudden and severe headache with no obvious cause
• Loss of consciousness

Stroke in Women vs. Men: What’s Different?

Though women and men share severe core symptoms, women may experience a vast range of symptoms due to hormonal differences, older age, and late treatment.

Women are likely to experience these symptoms:

• Nausea, vomiting, or fatigue, especially in women under 45. 
• Sudden weakness or fatigue
• Confusion or loss of consciousness
• Generalized weakness
• Other non-traditional symptoms like shortness of breath, hiccups, or chest pain.

Men are more prone to these symptoms:

• Difficulty speaking, dizziness, or paresis (mild weakness).
• Focal visual disturbances (vision changes that impact a specific part of the visual field).

What To Do If You Suspect a Stroke

If you or someone around you has a stroke:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Record the time when the symptoms start, as the decision on the treatment depends on this.
• Avoid driving yourself to the hospital.

Emergency medical professionals can begin the appropriate treatment on the way to your location. 

Medical Conditions That Mimic a Stroke

Sometimes, some conditions can imitate a stroke by showing similar symptoms:

• Migraine with aura: Visual changes, numbness, weakness, or speech difficulty
• Seizures: Post-seizure temporary weakness or confusion
• Bell’s palsy: Facial drooping
• Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia): Slurred speech and dizziness
• Syncope (fainting): Temporary loss of consciousness and neurological abnormalities

If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. 

How Are Silent Strokes Diagnosed?

As silent strokes occur with no noticeable symptoms, they can be detected only through:

• Brain imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, can reveal the damaged area of the brain due to a stroke.

• The images show the white spots or lesions in the brain areas where the cells are not functioning due to tissue death, revealing that you had a silent stroke.

• Sometimes, silent strokes are diagnosed accidentally during a CT scan for other medical conditions or while investigating neurological issues like balance problems or memory issues.

• The healthcare providers can also detect a stroke if you experience noticeable symptoms such as slurred speech, memory loss, or mood changes. 

Potential Causes of a Silent Stroke

Like a mini stroke (also called Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), silent strokes occur when the flow of blood to the brain parts suddenly stops, preventing the brain from receiving oxygen, which damages brain cells. These are the factors that increase the risk of silent strokes:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
• Family history of previous strokes or any heart disease
• Sedentary (inactive) lifestyle

Whether it’s a mini stroke or a silent stroke, identifying the symptoms can be a life-saving approach.

Difference Between a Silent Stroke and a TIA

Understanding the difference between a silent stroke and TIA is essential to get the right treatment: 

Treatment Options for Silent Stroke

The treatment options involve:

Medical Interventions:

• Medications: Blood-thinners like anticoagulants and antiplatelets to prevent blood clots, and statins to reduce plaque buildup in the blood arteries and cholesterol levels. Doctors may also prescribe medications to control diabetes and high blood pressure.

• Surgery: Thrombectomy to remove blood clots or angioplasty to repair damaged blood arteries.

Lifestyle Modifications:

• A heart-healthy diet that is rich in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and low in cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fat, to manage cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• Exercises to boost blood circulation and control body weight and blood pressure.
• Avoid smoking to lower the chances of stroke and heart disease. 
• Stress management by practicing meditation and relaxation techniques can help manage stress that is responsible for worsening the risk factors.
• Adequate sleep to manage the underlying medical issues and ease recovery.

Rehabilitation and Recovery:

• Physical Therapy to restore lost coordination and motor skills. 
• Occupational Therapy to improve everyday living skills like writing, dressing, and eating. 
• Speech Therapy to manage communication difficulties. 
• Strength Training to boost strength and endurance. 
• Cognitive Training to manage cognitive and memory issues. 
• Support Groups that offer emotional guidance from those people who have had strokes earlier. 
• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) to enhance upper limb function and improve quality of life.

How to Prevent a Silent Stroke

To lower the risk of stroke, consider these proactive steps:

• Control your blood pressure levels by taking prescribed medicines and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
• Consume a heart-healthy diet that consists of fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes per day.
• Quit smoking as it damages blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the brain and raises stroke risk, a study says.
• Manage chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and cholesterol, as they are the common contributing factors.
• Maintain a moderate body weight as it manages risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
• Get enough sleep of 7-9 hours, as it helps manage underlying conditions that increase the stroke risk.
• Reduce stress as it can negatively impact brain and heart health.
• Attend regular checkups to prevent further health issues.

Are Silent Strokes Less Dangerous than Other Strokes?

No, they are not. Though silent strokes may not develop visible symptoms, they can be threatening as they cause brain damage and raise the chances of severe future strokes. Several silent strokes can lead to neurological symptoms like trouble concentrating or remembering things, and cause vascular dementia with the following symptoms:

• memory and emotional problems
• Changes in walking manner
• trouble making decisions
• losing bladder and bowel control

Life expectancy after silent strokes

Studies show that:

• 5-year survival after a silent lacunar stroke is around 89%
• For symptomatic lacunar stroke, it’s about 86%

While the numbers may seem encouraging, repeated silent strokes greatly increase the risk of cognitive decline and disability. Early detection and prevention are key.

Final Thoughts

So, can you have a stroke and not know it? Yes, you can have a silent stroke without realizing it, as it does not cause any noticeable symptoms. But if you suspect and feel the potential symptoms, seek emergency help immediately. Multiple silent strokes can lead to long-term complications like symptomatic stroke, neurological issues, and vascular dementia. Early medical intervention and a healthy lifestyle can manage the stroke and other factors that raise the risk.

FAQs

How long can you have a silent stroke without knowing?

You can have a silent stroke for hours, days, or months without knowing or being detected. Even if the symptoms occur, they can be mistaken for other conditions.

How long after a stroke can it still be detected?

It can be detected for years or decades through MRI scans which help with accurate diagnosis. CT scans can assist with faster diagnosis.

Can you recover and reverse the damage from a silent stroke?

No, there’s no approach to completely reverse permanent damage. But, in certain cases, healthy brain areas may take charge of functions that were handled by the damaged parts, and lifestyle changes and therapies can address the effects and reduce future stroke risks.

Do strokes always cause pain?

No, strokes like ischemic strokes do not cause pain. They can cause functional symptoms like confusion, slurred speech, and weakness, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.

What is the best drink to avoid a stroke?

Drink hydrating beverages such as water, coffee, milk, and green or black tea to avoid stroke and limit or avoid sugary beverages and alcohol.