Heart Health
What is a silent stroke?
Ask the doctor
My aunt, who is in her late 70s, recently had a brain scan after a minor fall. She seems fine now, but the doctor said the scan showed evidence of an unrelated silent stroke. What does that mean?However, it's also possible that some older people and their families just don't recognize the resulting changes as being caused by a stroke. Sometimes, these strokes cause temporary balance problems or clumsiness in an arm or leg that people attribute to another cause. In addition, people can experience a series of silent strokes, which can manifest as memory lapses or subtle changes in mood. When people experience a number of silent strokes over time, it can lead to a condition called multi-infarct dementia. (Infarct is another term for tissue death caused by inadequate blood supply, as in myocardial infarction — the medical term for a heart attack.)
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
