Is it possible to suffer a silent stroke?

There is increasing awareness of the symptoms triggered by a stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA): difficulty in speech, limb paralysis or part of the face, vision problems in one or both eyes, and loss of balance, among others.

However, it is possible to have problems in the blood flow to the brain and not even perceive it. When this happens, we speak of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke or silent stroke.

Unlike a stroke, in a TIA the blockage that prevents the normal flow of blood through the arteries is quickly broken or dissolved, thus avoiding the death of brain tissue. In other words, the time it takes is so short that it does not cause much damage.

Most of the time, TIAs or mini-strokes occur in tiny areas of the brain that do not control significant movements or vital functions, which is why they do not generate evident symptoms. They are usually detected when the patient undergoes brain imaging for other reasons.

However, in some cases, they may affect other areas and cause dizziness, double vision, and generalized weakness, symptoms that can last up to two hours. When these changes are identified, it is vital to seek medical help. Why? Although many TIA episodes resolve spontaneously, others run their course within 24 hours to a stroke and cause permanent neurological deficits.

It is estimated that one out of three people who have a transient ischemic attack will suffer a stroke at some point in their lives, and half of these cases occur within a year of the first episode. The risk increases according to each patient, taking into account individual risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and cigarette smoking, among others.

How to prevent a transient ischemic attack? 

• Control high blood pressure with medication, dietary changes, and frequent check-ups.
• Avoid smoking
• Doing physical activity at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week.
• Limit alcohol intake and do not use illicit drugs.

Although TIA occurs more frequently in men than women and is higher in African Americans than in whites, its incidence increases in all population groups with advancing age. About a quarter of people older than 80 years old have experienced a mini-stroke. for this reason, it is important to help the elderly population to follow prevention recommendations.