Is it possible to have a stroke and not know it?

Yes, you can have a stroke and not know it. A stroke's effects can be undetectable if the stroke is small or if the tissue damaged does not serve a critical function. Evidence of the stroke would show on a CT scan or an MRI of the brain, but it might not produce symptoms.


What are the signs of a silent stroke?

Silent Stroke Symptoms
  • Sudden lack of balance.
  • Temporary loss of basic muscle movement (bladder included)
  • Slight memory loss.
  • Sudden changes in mood or personality.
  • Issues with cognitive skills and ability.


What if I had a stroke and didn't know?

Some people have strokes without realizing it. They're called silent strokes, and they either have no easy-to-recognize symptoms, or you don't remember them. But they do cause permanent damage in your brain. If you've had more than one silent stroke, you may have thinking and memory problems.


How do you tell if you've had a stroke?

Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.

Can doctors tell if you had a stroke in the past?

Usually, a silent stroke is discovered unexpectedly on a brain CT or brain MRI. These imaging tests can easily distinguish past strokes from recent strokes.


Can You Have a Stroke and Not Know it?



How long can a stroke go untreated?

In fact, ischemic strokes unfold over a period of 10 hours. That means that with every second you wait for treatment, the brain damage gets worse. If a stroke is untreated for the full 10 hours, the brain ages up to 36 years! With every minute you wait, the brain loses two million brain cells.

Can bloodwork tell if you had a stroke?

Blood tests for stroke. There is no blood test that can diagnose a stroke. However, in the hospital, your doctor or nurse may do a series of blood tests to learn the cause of your stroke symptoms: Complete blood count (CBC).

What are the 5 warning signs of a mini stroke?

Warning Signs of Stroke
  • Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, usually on one side of the body.
  • Trouble speaking or understanding.
  • Problems with vision, such as dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
  • Dizziness or problems with balance or coordination.
  • Problems with movement or walking.
  • Fainting or seizure.


What happens if a mini stroke goes untreated?

Even if a major stroke is avoided, repeated mini strokes can have a cumulative negative effect on one's brain health and cognitive function. In severe cases, vascular dementia may result from untreated cerebrovascular events.

What is a pre stroke?

Pre-strokes or mini strokes are the common terms used to describe a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Unlike a full blown stroke, a TIA only lasts a few minutes and does not cause permanent damage. Nevertheless it is a warning sign that a possible stroke may be coming in the future.

Can you have a stroke and be fine afterwards?

When the clot moves away, the stroke symptoms stop. You might feel like you're fine afterwards, but it's vital to get medical help right away.


How long after a stroke can it be detected?

You should have a brain scan soon after symptoms start, within an hour of arriving at hospital if possible. The scan can show whether the stroke is due to a clot or a bleed. There are two main types of scan used: A computed tomography or CT scan.

What does a stroke feel like in your head?

In addition to the classic stroke symptoms associated with the FAST acronym, around 7-65% of people undergoing a stroke will experience some form of a headache. People describe a stroke-related headache as a very severe headache that comes on within seconds or minutes.

Will an old stroke show up on CT scan?

If a stroke is suspected, a CT scan is usually able to show whether you have had an ischaemic stroke or a haemorrhagic stroke. It's generally quicker than an MRI scan and can mean you're able to receive appropriate treatment sooner.


Do silent strokes show up on MRI?

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.

What causes stroke like symptoms but is not a stroke?

Some of the most common stroke mimics are seizures, migraine, fainting and serious infections. Once the person is diagnosed, they can have treatment or support to manage their symptoms.

Can you have a mini-stroke and not go to the hospital?

You do not need to be admitted to hospital because of a TIA, but this is often done because of the absence of an alternative. Many TIA clinics now offer a “one-stop” service for which the patient is assessed, investigated (or investigated before the appointment), and given results at the same session.


Can you have a mini-stroke and not notice?

Yes, you can have a stroke and not know it. A stroke's effects can be undetectable if the stroke is small or if the tissue damaged does not serve a critical function. Evidence of the stroke would show on a CT scan or an MRI of the brain, but it might not produce symptoms.

What is the average lifespan after a stroke?

How Does a Stroke Impact Life Expectancy? Despite the likelihood of making a full recovery, life expectancy after stroke incidents can decrease. Unfortunately, researchers have observed a wide range of life expectancy changes in stroke patients, but the average reduction in lifespan is nine and a half years.

What is the fastest way to check for a stroke?

What is the FAST test for a stroke?
  1. Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
  2. Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
  3. Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? ...
  4. Time: If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important.


What is the first stage of a stroke?

The first stage is flaccidity , and occurs immediately post-stroke. Muscles will be weak, limp, or even "floppy." Because a stroke often affects one side more than the other, this flaccidity may be limited to just one side.

What triggers a stroke?

There are two main causes of stroke: a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or leaking or bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Some people may have only a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), that doesn't cause lasting symptoms.

Can an EKG detect a stroke?

Can an ECG detect stroke? Yes. ECG can detect a heart problem that might lead to a stroke or even uncover a past problem such as a previous heart attack. Such ECG results would be classified as abnormal ECG.


Can a CT scan miss a stroke?

Strokes may not be seen on a CT scan for several reasons. It can sometimes take several hours for the brain to appear abnormal after the onset of stroke. The affected region may also be a part of the brain that CT scans do not image well, such as the cerebellum or the brainstem.

How can I test for stroke at home?

How to Spot a Stroke: 5 Sure Signs and 4 Life-Saving Letters
  1. They are common. ...
  2. They are preventable. ...
  3. F = Face — Ask the person to smile. ...
  4. A = Arms — Ask the person to raise both arms. ...
  5. S = Speech — Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. ...
  6. T = Time — If the person failed any part of the test, note the time and get help.