Can you have a mini 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.

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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.

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Can a mini stroke go undetected?

You may not be in the clear even if physical symptoms disappear. People who have mild strokes may feel like they've dodged a bullet since physical symptoms—blurred vision, difficulty speaking and weakness or numbness on one side of the body—usually disappear in a few minutes.

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

Unfortunately, most people don't actually find out they've suffered from a silent stroke until they see a doctor for another condition and are ordered to have an MRI or a CT scan. At that point, their doctor may notice small areas of damage in the brain indicating a silent stroke.

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What are the 5 warning signs of a mini stroke?

Call 9-1-1 immediately if any of these signs of stroke appear: Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg; Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; Trouble seeing in one or both eyes; Trouble walking, dizziness, or problems with balance; severe headache with no known cause.

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You Can Have a Stroke and Not Recognize the Signs

36 related questions found

Can a blood test show a mini-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).

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How do you rule out a mini-stroke?

Some of these tests include:
  1. Blood pressure tests. Your blood pressure will be checked, because high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to TIAs.
  2. Blood tests. You might need blood tests to check whether you have high cholesterol or diabetes.
  3. Electrocardiogram (ECG) ...
  4. Carotid ultrasound. ...
  5. Brain scans.

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How long can a mini stroke go untreated?

This can cause sudden symptoms similar to a stroke, such as speech and visual disturbance, and numbness or weakness in the face, arms and legs. But a TIA does not last as long as a stroke. The effects last a few minutes to a few hours and fully resolve within 24 hours.

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Can you feel fine after a mini stroke?

Most people who have a mini-stroke feel fine after the event. In fact, many people don't even realize they've had one! Symptoms might include weakness, numbness, tingling, vision changes or difficulty speaking. Most symptoms are temporary and dissipate within minutes but sometimes can last up to 24 hours.

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What can mimic a mini 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.

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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.

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Can you have a mini-stroke and still function?

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.

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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.

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Do mini strokes show up on MRI?

You will likely have a head CT scan or brain MRI. A stroke may show changes on these tests, but TIAs will not.

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Do old strokes show up on MRI?

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.

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Do silent strokes show on MRI?

MRI is best at detecting silent strokes, according to the statement. Its use for brain imaging has gone up dramatically over the years to investigate concerns about memory and cognition, stroke, dizziness, unusual headaches or Parkinson's disease, Gorelick said.

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What happens if a mini-stroke is left 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.

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How do you feel days after a mini-stroke?

However, some people were left with some residual (on-going) symptoms that lasted a few weeks, and some people continued to experience some symptoms for a while afterwards. Commonly these included arm and limb weakness or numbness, slurred speech, memory problems, confusion and visual difficulties.

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Can stress cause mini strokes?

Conclusions. Higher levels of stress, hostility and depressive symptoms are associated with significantly increased risk of incident stroke or TIA in middle-aged and older adults.

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Can you have mini-strokes for months?

Here's something you probably won't hear in the emergency room: A transient ischemic attack (TIA, or mini-stroke) can have symptoms that last for months or years afterward. Many healthcare providers think these symptoms are rare or at least short term, but a 2013 survey from the UK Stroke Association showed otherwise.

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How do doctors know if you had a stroke?

A brain CT scan can show if there is bleeding in the brain or damage to the brain cells from a stroke. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnets and radio waves to create pictures of your brain. An MRI may be used instead of—or in addition to—a CT scan to diagnose a stroke.

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How long should you rest after a TIA?

Although a TIA should not have a long-term impact on your daily activities, you must stop driving immediately. If your doctor is happy that you have made a good recovery and there are no lasting effects after 1 month, you can start driving again.

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What medication is prescribed after a TIA?

Dipyridamole and aspirin — Dipyridamole is a medication that may be given after a TIA to reduce the risk of stroke. It is often given as an extended-release form, combined with aspirin (aspirin-extended-release dipyridamole, brand name: Aggrenox). It is taken two times per day.

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How do you feel days before a 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.

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What are the first signs of a stroke in a woman?

Symptoms of stroke in women
  • Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  • Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
  • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
  • Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
  • Severe headache with no known cause.

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