Stroke And No Doctor: What Could Go Wrong?

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent permanent brain damage or death. While strokes are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, they can be treated effectively if addressed promptly. However, it is important to recognise the signs and symptoms of a stroke to ensure timely medical intervention. This includes knowing the acronym BE FAST, which stands for balance, eyes, face, arms, speech, and time. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to call emergency services right away.

Silent strokes can cause permanent brain damage

Silent strokes occur when a clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, but the person experiences no symptoms. However, this does not mean that they do not cause harm. Silent strokes can cause permanent brain damage and increase the risk of a major stroke in the future.

A silent stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly cut off, damaging brain cells. There may be no warning signs or noticeable symptoms, and many people do not realise they have experienced a silent stroke until they undergo a brain scan.

Symptoms

Silent strokes usually display no symptoms at all. However, people may have slight mobility or memory issues. These symptoms are often so subtle that they are mistaken for regular signs of ageing, such as difficulty balancing or bladder control issues.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase the odds of a stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, vascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. However, habits like checking your cholesterol, blood sugar regulation, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help lower stroke risk.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no way to reverse permanent damage to brain cells from a silent stroke. However, in some cases, healthy parts of the brain may take over the functions that were performed by the damaged areas. Therapy and the development of healthy habits can help reduce the effects of a silent stroke and prevent future strokes.

They are more common than classic strokes

Silent strokes, also known as mini-strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), are far more common than most people assume. While the symptoms of a silent stroke may be extremely difficult to notice, they can cause permanent damage to the brain and should be addressed by medical professionals as soon as possible.

Silent strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly cut off, damaging brain cells. There may be no warning signs or noticeable symptoms, and many people do not realise they have experienced a silent stroke until they undergo a brain scan. These brain scans can reveal small white spots that indicate lesions caused by the stroke.

Silent strokes are particularly common among older individuals. Experts estimate that silent strokes affect 8-11 million Americans each year, and one in four people over the age of 80 has suffered at least one silent stroke in their lifetime.

The risk factors for silent strokes are similar to those for classic strokes and include high blood pressure, smoking, vascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity. However, silent strokes often go undetected because they do not produce the typical symptoms associated with classic strokes.

Ignoring the signs of a silent stroke can be dangerous and lead to additional severe strokes and cognitive decline. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a silent stroke, which may include issues with cognitive skills and ability, temporary loss of muscle movement, sudden lack of balance, rapid changes in personality or mood, problems with speech, and loss of vision, strength, and sensation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early detection and management of risk factors can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a silent stroke and prevent further complications.

They can be identified by brain scans

Brain scans, such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound scans, are crucial tools for identifying strokes and determining the type of stroke a patient has experienced. These imaging techniques provide a clear view of the head, including the tissue and blood vessels, helping doctors make an accurate diagnosis.

CT scans, which use X-rays and computers to generate multiple images of the inside of the head from various angles, are commonly used to diagnose strokes. They can easily reveal the size and location of any abnormalities in the brain, such as tumours or blood clots, and detect infections or areas of dying tissue due to a lack of blood flow. CT scans are widely available in hospitals and provide results quickly, making them the first choice for urgent imaging. However, they may not always be able to pinpoint the location of a blood clot or provide the same level of detail as MRI scans.

MRI scans, on the other hand, utilise magnetic fields, radiofrequency pulses, and computers to detect changes in the brain. They are highly sensitive and accurate, capable of capturing even tiny abnormalities that may be too small to visualise on a CT scan. MRI scans can detect both new and old strokes, with evidence of previous strokes visible even decades later. While MRI scans take longer and are less readily available than CT scans, they provide invaluable detailed images of the inside of the head.

Silent strokes, which occur without noticeable symptoms, can be identified through brain scans. These undetected strokes can cause permanent brain damage, and brain scans can reveal small white spots indicating the presence of lesions caused by the stroke.

In summary, brain scans are essential tools for identifying strokes, determining their type, and ruling out other potential causes of stroke-like symptoms. They provide valuable information that guides treatment decisions and helps minimise the risk of long-term disabilities associated with strokes.

They can be mistaken for signs of aging

It is possible to have a stroke without realising it, as some strokes exhibit no warning signs or noticeable symptoms. These are known as ''silent strokes', and they can be extremely dangerous, causing permanent damage to the brain. They can also be easily overlooked or dismissed, as they do not produce the common symptoms associated with other strokes. For instance, a silent stroke may be accompanied by a sudden lack of balance, which could be mistaken for a sign of aging.

Indeed, the symptoms of a silent stroke are often misinterpreted as signs of aging. For example, issues with cognitive skills and abilities, temporary loss of muscle movement, rapid change in personality or mood, and problems with speech and vision can all be indicative of a silent stroke, but they are also signs of aging. As a result, those who don't know what to look for may mistake the symptoms of a silent stroke for a less threatening condition.

However, it's important to note that a stroke occurs when something prevents blood from reaching the brain, potentially leading to death due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. As oxygen levels and essential nutrients run out, bodily functions become affected, manifesting as stroke symptoms. The longer brain cells are deprived of oxygen, the higher the risk of brain cell death. Therefore, immediate medical attention for stroke patients is vital.

The National Institute on Aging lists the following stroke symptoms to watch out for, which can be used to verify whether someone is having a stroke:

• Numbness or weakness on one side of the body, whether on the face, arm, or leg.
• Confusion and trouble speaking, such as garbled words or an inability to understand what is being said.
• Blurriness or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Loss of balance, difficulty standing and walking, and tripping over nothing.
• Loss of coordination and sudden clumsiness as though intoxicated.
• Inexplicably severe headache.

These symptoms can be mistaken for lack of sleep, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or overheating. However, if you observe even one of these symptoms, it is important to act quickly. Call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to stress the urgency of the situation. The quicker the patient receives medical attention, the higher their chances of survival.

They increase the risk of future strokes

Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of adult disability. They can occur at any age, but the risk increases with age. The good news is that most strokes can be prevented, and there are steps you can take to lower your chances of having one.

If you've already had a stroke, you're at a higher risk of experiencing another one. It is important to work with your healthcare team to prevent or treat the medical conditions that can lead to another stroke. Your treatment plan will likely include medications or surgery, as well as lifestyle changes, to lower your risk of having another stroke.

Some of the factors that increase the risk of future strokes include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, vascular disease, and a family history of stroke. These factors can be controlled or treated to reduce the likelihood of experiencing another stroke.

Making healthy lifestyle choices can also help prevent future strokes. This includes eating healthy foods, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular physical activity, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, it is important to control any medical conditions that can increase the risk of stroke, such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

Overall, by taking preventative measures and working with a healthcare team, you can lower your risk of experiencing future strokes.

Frequently asked questions