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What Is a Silent Stroke?

A silent stroke is a stroke that does not produce any noticeable symptoms. Silent strokes typically affect those over 60 years old and are linked to cognitive impairment.

  1. Definition

    • Although silent strokes do not cause symptoms they still cause damage to the brain. For this reason, the American Stroke Association refers to silent strokes as "whispering strokes."

    Cause

    • A stroke occurs when the bloodstream cannot deliver an adequate amount of oxygen to the brain. Symptoms of a major stroke happen suddenly an may include numbness of the face, arms, or legs, confusion, impaired speech, loss of balance and coordination and extreme headache.

    Diagnosis

    • According to the American Stroke Association, silent strokes are diagnosed by means of brain imaging technology.

    Risk

    • According to research published in a 2009 issue of the journal "Neurology," silent strokes are most common among those over the age of 60, and particularly among those with high blood pressure.

    Considerations

    • According to Perminder Sachdev, MD, PhD, author of the "Neurology" research, silent strokes are associated with memory loss and cognitive decline.

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