What are the symptoms of a silent stroke?

Have you ever heard of a silent stroke? Does that mean you can have a stroke and not even know it? Read more about silent stroke symptoms. Experienced home doctors in Sydney say that you should see a doctor immediately if you experience any signs of a stroke.

What is a silent stroke?

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain would abruptly cut off. The symptoms of a stroke would include loss of movement, numbness, and slurring of speech. However, in a silent stroke, there would be no sign that a stroke is even happening. The reason behind these seemingly invisible symptoms would be because the lack of airflow has affected a part of the brain that is not associated with speech or motion. 

Silent stroke symptoms

As mentioned above, there are no noticeable symptoms, at least not at first. Unlike a regular stroke that has symptoms, you will not notice any slurring of speech or sudden limitation with your range of motion. The symptoms that a silent stroke has occurred will come later. These will not be the symptoms that the stroke is happening at the moment, but will more likely be the effects of the stroke.

Memory problems. This may happen because the part of the brain that was affected by the silent stroke would be the part that is in charge of memory.

Changes in mood. This would mean that you could be laughing or crying at inappropriate times, even you can be questioning why you are emotional at a time when you do not need to be.

Getting lost or confused. Getting lost in a place that you should be familiar with is a sign that a silent stroke might have struck your brain. This also relates to memory.

Decision making and decreased ability to think. If you find yourself having trouble in making a decision, this could also be a sign that that part of your brain was affected by the silent stroke.

Losing bladder or bowel control. Again, the part of your brain that controls your bowel and bladder may have been affected if you are losing control of this bodily function.

Balance problems. You might find yourself losing your balance more easily and falling over more. 

If you suspect you have had a silent stroke…

It would be a good idea to approach your doctor if you notice any of the changes described above. There is no way to reverse the effects of any stroke because the damage to the cells in the brain due to lack of oxygen would be irreversible. In some cases, the healthy and unaffected parts of your brain may compensate and take over the functions that have been compromised. In any case, your doctor would be able to tell you how to manage and cope with your situation. 

Cutting down on salt intake, eating vegetables, getting some exercise and managing weight would be effective ways to prevent getting a silent stroke in the first place. Talk to your doctor about preventive measures even if you have not had any type of stroke yet, because prevention is always better than cure.