The warning signs of a stroke are typically very pronounced, including loss of balance, vision changes, face drooping, arm weakness and slurred speech. However, one type of stroke is not always so apparent. A silent cerebral infarction (SCI), or a silent stroke, is a type of ischemic stroke that occurs when a clot in a blood vessel blocks blood flow to your brain. While SCI may present with no identifiable symptoms, the event can be a sign of progressive brain damage and increase the likelihood of strokes in the future.
Recognizing Silent Stroke
If you are wondering how to know if you have suffered from a silent stroke, you are not alone. Learning that you have had a silent stroke often comes as a surprise. The condition is one that doctors typically detect during a brain scan for other types of issues, such as cognitive challenges, dizziness or headaches.
The discovery of silent stroke is not uncommon. In 2016, the American Heart Association reported the condition affects as many as 8 million to 11 million Americans every year. Doctors can determine that you have had a silent stroke if telltale white spots appear on your brain scan. These spots are evidence of scar tissue that develops as a result of a blockage in the blood vessels leading to the brain.
Unfortunately, there isn’t any “treatment” available for SCI. However, it is very important to identify the cause. If the cause of the SCI is not identified, you could be at risk for a more disabling stroke in the future. That is why it’s important to see your doctor if you notice subtle neurological symptoms, such as difficulty speaking or weakness in the body. You may have had a silent stroke. If you did, you could also be at risk for cognitive decline and dementia. The older you get, the more likely it is that you may have experienced a silent stroke.
If your brain scan shows evidence of a silent stroke, your doctor may also want to screen you for atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib is a form of abnormal heartbeat that can increase the likelihood of blood clots that could cause a stroke.
Preventing Silent Stroke
A heart-healthy lifestyle is key to stroke prevention. To decrease your risk of experiencing any type of stroke, begin by establishing lifestyle habits that benefit your cardiovascular health. These behavioral shifts are most attainable if approached step by step. Talk with your doctor about a strategy to incorporate the following healthy habits into your routine:
- Choose low-fat, nutrient-rich foods. A heart-healthy diet that helps enhance your cardiovascular health includes fresh produce, low-fat dairy products, and seafood rich with omega-3 fatty acids. Limit your intake of added sugars, saturated fat and sodium to reduce your risk of stroke. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation, indulging in no more than one drink per day for a woman and two drinks per day for a man, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- If you smoke, take steps to quit. Smoking harms your blood vessels and increases your risk of blood clots.
- Keep diabetes under control. If you have diabetes, it is important to make sure your blood sugar levels are managed properly. If your blood sugar levels are too high for too long, your blood vessels and nerves may become damaged. When this damage occurs, your likelihood of experiencing a stroke increases. You are also at greater risk for dementia and heart disease.
- Manage blood pressure. High blood pressure left uncontrolled for long periods of time places an excess amount of stress and strain on your blood vessels. This stress dramatically increases your risk of having a stroke. To keep your blood pressure under control, check it regularly and keep a record to share with your healthcare provider. If a healthy diet and exercise are not enough to manage your blood pressure, your doctor may recommend prescription medications to lower it.
- Prioritize exercise. Engaging in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on a weekly basis can help you manage weight and blood pressure levels. You do not have to visit the gym to accomplish this goal. Make exercise manageable by working it into your day every day. Take the stairs. Go for walks after dinner. Play outside with your kids. Anything that gets your body moving is good.
Tips to Prevent a Second Stroke
If you have a stroke, you are more likely than someone who has not had a stroke to experience another one. In fact, 1 in 4 people who survive a stroke will have a second stroke, according to the American Stroke Association. However, you can significantly reduce your risk of having another stroke by taking medications recommended by your doctor and following the same healthy habits recommended to prevent stroke in the first place.
A checklist that you and your health care provider can put together may include options such as:
- Aspirin therapy
- Blood thinners (if atrial fibrillation is identified)
- Cholesterol and blood-sugar management
- Increased exercise
- Smoking cessation
- Weight loss
