New Delhi: Silent strokes, while not as immediately life-threatening as traditional strokes, can still pose serious risks to brain health, leading to cognitive issues such as memory loss and attention problems, according to experts on Monday. These strokes, also known as silent cerebral infarctions, can occur without noticeable symptoms, making them difficult to detect for years.
Silent strokes happen when blood flow to the brain is temporarily disrupted, causing ischemic damage without the common stroke symptoms such as weakness, speech difficulties, or facial drooping. Despite the lack of overt signs, these strokes can lead to neurocognitive deficits, including memory problems and impaired attention. Dr. Deepak Yadav, Consultant Neurology at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, explained that individuals who suffer from silent strokes are at a higher risk of experiencing more severe and recognizable strokes in the future.
Dr. Aashka Ponda, Consultant Neuro-physician at Bhailal Amin General Hospital, highlighted that depending on where the clot forms, silent strokes can manifest in subtle ways, such as weakness in a limb, which could lead to a fall, or minor issues with speech and vision. The experts pointed out that the primary risk factors for silent strokes include hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle, all of which contribute to poor vascular health and increase the likelihood of cardiovascular events.
Inputs from IANS revealed that in India, the growing prevalence of these risk factors, compounded by rising stress levels and unhealthy dietary changes, has contributed to a noticeable rise in silent strokes. Dr. Yadav emphasized the importance of early neuroimaging assessments to detect these strokes before they cause significant damage.
Experts recommended lifestyle changes to mitigate the risk of silent strokes, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management. Dr. Ponda advised cutting down on salt intake, avoiding smoking, and reducing the consumption of sugary and aerated drinks.
Importantly, according to IANS, keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels under control is critical in preventing silent strokes. Regular health screenings can also help in identifying potential issues early, reducing the risk of future complications.