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What is it?
A silent stroke, also known as a clinically silent ischemic stroke, occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, damaging brain cells, but without causing any noticeable silent stroke symptoms at the time. This makes them difficult to detect but still potentially dangerous.
Synopsis
How common are they?
Silent strokes are surprisingly common, affecting millions of people each year. Estimates suggest one in four people over 80 have had at least one. With changing lifestyle and increasing stress, the risk of stroke has risen in the young population of 35-50-year old too. Manipal Hospitals Baner offers health checkup packages to help you assess your stroke risks and provides dietician consultation for patients to improve lifestyle. Visit or book your appointment online to experience world class care in Pune.
Do they cause damage?
Even though symptoms are absent, silent strokes can still cause permanent damage to brain cells. This damage can accumulate over time, potentially leading to:
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Cognitive Decline
Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and decreased mental processing speed.
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Increased risk of Future Strokes
People who have had one silent stroke are more likely to experience a symptomatic stroke later.
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Other Health Issues
Depression, anxiety, and balance issues.
Why are they called silent strokes?
Silent strokes are called silent, due to lack of notable symptoms. The lack of symptoms is due to the affected brain area not being crucial for controlling motor skills or sensory perception. However, subtle changes in function might occur, often mistaken for ageing or fatigue.
How are they diagnosed?
Silent strokes are often discovered incidentally during brain imaging for other reasons, such as headaches or head injuries. Minor symptoms like giddiness, blurring of vision, transient weakness in any limb which improves, and reduction of mental functions should be noted. Manipal Hospitals Baner has some of the best medical equipment and experienced doctors to assess and accurately diagnose your health conditions. Timely diagnosis can help prevent health issues and or reduce the severity of symptoms in the patient.
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Work up
Yes, you can add on investigations which are needed like blood test including B12, Lipid Profile and Cardiac Profile.
MRI may be needed which may or may not be normal. And ischemic stroke treatment is basically to prevent further strokes which includes diet changes, exercises, medicine to control cholesterol, diabetes and blood thinners which should be taken after consulting with specialist.
Visit the best neurosurgery hospital in Baner, Pune to get the finest treatment.
Can anything be done about them?
While past damage cannot be reversed, managing risk factors for stroke through lifestyle changes and medication can help prevent future strokes, both silent and symptomatic. This includes:
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Controlling blood pressure
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Lowering cholesterol
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Maintaining a healthy weight
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Regular exercise
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Quitting smoking
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Limiting alcohol intake
If you are concerned about the risk of silent strokes in your loved ones, talking to an experienced doctor can be of great help. Getting a proper checkup and diagnosis tests done will be of use for doctors to be able to guide you towards better healthcare options based on your condition. They can assess your individual risk factors and recommend appropriate preventive measures or treatment for silent stroke options.
A healthy diet plays a crucial role in preventing stroke, the second leading cause of death globally. By incorporating certain foods and limiting others, you can significantly reduce your risk of this devastating condition. Here's a breakdown of the key dietary elements for stroke prevention:
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Foods to Embrace
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Fruits and vegetables: Aim for at least five servings per day, focusing on a variety of colors for a range of antioxidants and vitamins. Berries, leafy greens, citrus fruits, and cruciferous vegetables are particularly beneficial.
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Whole grains: Opt for brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole-wheat bread over refined grains like white bread, pasta, and pastries. Whole grains are rich in fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
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Lean protein: Choose fish, poultry, beans, lentils, and tofu as your primary protein sources. These are lower in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to red meat and processed meats.
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Healthy fats: Include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from sources like olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds. These fats help lower bad cholesterol and inflammation.
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Low-fat dairy: Yogurt, milk, and cheese provide essential calcium and vitamin D, which contribute to bone health and blood pressure control. Choose low-fat or fat-free options to limit saturated fat intake.
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Foods to Avoid or limit intake of
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Saturated and trans fats: Found in fatty meats, fried foods, processed foods, and baked goods, these unhealthy fats contribute to high cholesterol and inflammation, increasing stroke risk.
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Added sugar and refined carbohydrates: Sugary drinks, candy, pastries, and white bread cause blood sugar spikes and inflammation, contributing to stroke risk. Opt for natural sugars from fruits and limit processed carbohydrates.
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Salt: High sodium intake can increase blood pressure, a major risk factor for stroke. Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, and check food labels for hidden sodium content.
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Conclusion
Even though silent, these strokes can have significant consequences. Taking steps to manage your risk factors and being aware of the potential signs can help protect your brain health in the long run. Regular checkups and following doctor's advice are some of the ways to improve health. Manipal Hospitals is equipped with the best neurosurgeon in Pune to help you take care of your loved ones. Book an appointment or walk into your nearest Manipal Hospital today and experience world-class care in your city.
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