Stroke warning signs: Neurologist reveals symptoms you should never ignore

When we hear the word stroke, most of us think of someone holding their head in pain or collapsing to the floor. But the fact is, not all strokes come with pain. Some strokes are so “silent” that people can do their chores and not even know they had one and that is what makes them dangerous. People can carry on with their regular day, unaware that small but harmful changes are taking place in their brain. Over time, these silent strokes can affect memory, balance, and cognitive ability.

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Ischemic stroke, which is almost 85% of cases and happens due to a blood clot or blockage in a brain artery.
Haemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in the brain due to ruptured vessels, accounts for the remaining cases.
Silent strokes occur when a tiny blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked, cutting off oxygen to a small area. It is possible that these brain lesions might not produce classic stroke symptoms but can still cause a small amount of brain damage that can only be diagnosed in CT or MRI scans. Studies indicate that among adults without a known stroke history, about 10% cases already show signs of silent stroke on brain scan. Knowing the early warning signs can make all the difference in getting timely help.
Regular screenings, blood pressure control, managing diabetes, and staying physically active are key to preventing long-term cognitive decline from silent strokes.

Having blurry vision or being unable to focus are often dismissed as being tired of looking at screens.

Sudden fatigue or fainting spells, even though there are no physical reasons.
Look out for unexplained confusion or memory loss, certain details slipping through the mind that used to stick.
Mood swings or sluggish thinking, often attributed to stress or aging

When it comes to strokes, time is of the essence as every minute counts. In the case of ischemic strokes, the patient may receive a clot-busting drug within a 4.5-hour time frame or undergo mechanical thrombectomy, which is a minimally invasive method of removing the clot through a catheter. This aforementioned procedure can be done up to 24 hours after the stroke in certain cases. For hemorrhagic strokes, surgery such as a craniotomy to clear pooled blood or endovascular coiling/clipping to repair ruptured vessels may be required.
Silent strokes might not have the kind of symptoms that seem serious, like those associated with a stroke generally, but silently, they can add up over time. Research has linked silent strokes to long-term cognitive impacts such as memory lapses, decision-making difficulties, balance problems, and mood swings. Worse still, multiple silent strokes increase the risk of future major strokes and vascular dementia, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
Dr. Brij Lal Choudhary, Consultant – Neurology, Manipal Hospital, Jaipur

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Stroke is a serious medical emergency. If you or someone you know experiences any warning signs or symptoms, call emergency services immediately and seek professional medical attention.