A silent stroke refers to a stroke that doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms. Most strokes are caused by a clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. The blockage prevents blood and oxygen from reaching that area, causing nearby brain cells to die.
What are the signs of a silent stroke?
Unlike events such as a heart attack where there could be obvious signs of discomfort or pain, a silent stroke may include the following symptoms:
- Sudden lack of balance.
- Temporary loss of basic muscle movement (bladder included)
- Slight memory loss.
- Sudden changes in mood or personality.
What happens when you have a silent stroke?
During a silent stroke, an interruption in blood flow destroys areas of cells in a part of the brain that is "silent," meaning that it doesn't control any vital functions. Although the damage will show up on an MRI or CT scan, it's too small to produce any obvious symptoms.
