Can you have a second 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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How can you tell if you have had a second stroke?

If you have one-sided weakness and suddenly get weak in another part of the body, you could be having another stroke. Additionally, any weakness that gets worse can signal a problem.

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What triggers a second stroke?

Not taking your medicine is an important risk factor for repeat stroke. According to one study in patients with coronary artery disease, those patients who took 75 percent or less of their medications as prescribed had a four times higher risk of stroke than patients who took their medications exactly as directed.

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What are the symptoms of a silent stroke?

Silent strokes may be accompanied by the following:
  • Issues with cognitive skills and ability.
  • Temporary loss of muscle movement (including the bladder)
  • Sudden lack of balance.
  • Rapid change in personality or mood.
  • Problems with speech.
  • Loss of vision, strength, and sensation.
  • Brief fainting.

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How soon does a second stroke occur after the first?

“Your risk of a second stroke is highest within the first two days,” says neurologist Blake Buletko, MD. “But you remain most vulnerable for up to three months and even up to one year after the first stroke.”

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You Can Have a Stroke and Not Recognize the Signs

37 related questions found

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.

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Can you have another stroke while on blood thinners?

Unfortunately, blood thinners can reduce the risk of clot-related stroke only to increase the risk of stroke related to bleeding and blood vessel rupture. To prevent unwanted complications from blood thinners, patients may need to make lifestyle and adjustments moving forward.

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Will an old stroke show up on MRI?

An MRI can also detect old strokes for decades after they happen. The fastest type of MRI is diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). It measures shifts in fluid in the brain and can detect a stroke soon after its onset. An MRI can also detect evidence of past strokes.

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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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Is a second stroke worse than the first?

Yes, a second stroke is typically worse than the first due to the additional damage to the brain. According to research, the second stroke carries “significant cognitive and physical disabilities” compared to the first stroke.

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What are good signs after a stroke?

Here are some of the most common patterns and signs of recovery from stroke:
  • Progress occurring fastest within the first 3 months — but continuing as long as you pursue recovery. ...
  • Independence increasing with the activities of daily living. ...
  • Sleepiness or tiredness could actually be a sign of recovery.

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What suddenly brings on a stroke?

Sudden bleeding can cause a hemorrhagic stroke. This can happen when an artery in or on top of the brain breaks open. The leaked blood causes the brain to swell, putting pressure on it that can damage brain cells. Some conditions make blood vessels in the brain more likely to bleed.

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Is a second stroke serious?

Second strokes are serious medical emergencies, and the risk of recurrent stroke increases greatly after a single stroke. All of this makes second stroke prevention a crucial part of recovery.

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What are signs that a stroke is getting worse?

Physical and psychological symptoms can include:
  • Sudden mood changes.
  • Feeling anxious, worried, pessimistic, or hopeless.
  • Having thoughts of death.
  • Loss of energy.
  • Increase or decrease in appetite.
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, thinking, or making decisions.
  • Headache.

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Does a past 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.

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What happens days before a stroke?

Some people will experience symptoms such as headache, numbness or tingling several days before they have a serious stroke. One study found that 43% of stroke patients experienced mini-stroke symptoms up to a week before they had a major stroke.

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Does a stroke always show up on CT scan?

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.

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How long does your body warn you before a stroke?

Warning signs of an ischemic stroke may be evident as early as seven days before an attack and require urgent treatment to prevent serious damage to the brain, according to a study of stroke patients published in the March 8, 2005 issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

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What mimics a stroke?

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

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Have I had a stroke without knowing?

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 should you not do after a stroke?

Three Things Not to Do When Someone Is Having a Stroke
  • Do not let that person go to sleep or talk you out of calling 911. Stroke survivors often complain of suddenly feeling very sleepy when a stroke first happens. ...
  • Do not give them medication, food, or drinks. ...
  • Do not drive yourself or someone else to the emergency room.

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What not to do while on blood thinners?

Because you are taking a blood thinner, you should try not to hurt yourself and cause bleeding. You need to be careful when you use knives, scissors, razors, or any sharp object that can make you bleed. You also need to avoid activities and sports that could cause injury. Swimming and walking are safe activities.

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What is the survival rate for strokes by age?

The survival rate was the highest for those 50 years and younger (57%), and the lowest for those aged over 70 years (9%). Predictors of 5-year mortality were older age and hypertension for both types of stroke, heart diseases for ischemic stroke and diabetes for intracerebral hemorrhage.

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