edars-Sinai health site says: “Silent cerebral infarction (SCI), or silent stroke, is a brain injury likely caused by a blood clot that interrupts blood flow in the brain.n“It’s a risk factor for future strokes and a sign of progressive brain damage.”nThe American Heart Association explains that most ischemic strokes occur rapidly, over minutes to hours, and immediate medical care is vital.n“If you notice one or more of these signs in another person or in yourself, do not wait to seek help,” it suggests.nnREAD MORE: ‘Nearly as bad as smoking’: The popular food that quadruples the risk nn

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nSome strokes are dubbed “silent strokes” because they have few signs. (Image: GETTY)

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It says that the signs of a stroke are sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body as well as a number of other signs.nSome people experience sudden confusion, sudden trouble speaking, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. sudden trouble walking, sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and sudden, severe headache with no known cause.nIt notes that the effects of an acute ischemic stroke may cause additional symptoms in women including face, arm or leg pain, hiccups or nausea, chest pain or palpitations, and shortness of breath.nIt explains: “Not all symptoms occur with every stroke, and sometimes they go away and return.”nnDON’T MISS:nStroke: The surprising drink that may ‘halve’ the likelihood [INSIGHT]nOmicron symptoms: The surprising sign when you go to the toilet [SIGNS]nArthritis: The supplement with ‘potent anti-inflammatory properties’ [INSIGHT]n

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Moreover, some patients experience symptoms that “clear up within only a few minutes”, which may be a sign of a transient ischemic attack (TIA). This is known to be one of the early warning signs of a stroke.nThe Stroke Association warned that a stroke occurs every five minutes in the UK, and there are a number of risk factors.nThese include unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as eating unhealthy foods, not getting regular physical activity, drinking alcohol, and using illegal drugs such as cocaine.nThe National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) says anxiety, depression, and high stress levels are all risk factors.n

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nThe Mayo Clinic says that “knowing your stroke risk factors, following your doctor’s recommendations and adopting a healthy lifestyle” are the best steps you can take to prevent a stroke.nThe health site adds that if you’ve had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack, there are measures which might help prevent another stroke.n“The follow-up care you receive in the hospital and afterward also may play a role,” it notes.nIn general, healthy lifestyle recommendations include controlling high blood pressure, and healthy lifestyle changes and medications are often used to treat high blood pressure.n

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n“Not all symptoms occur with every stroke, and sometimes they go away and return. (Image: GETTY)

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The Mayo Clinic says that aerobic exercise reduces your risk of stroke in many ways.nExercise can lower your blood pressure, increase your levels of good cholesterol, and improve the overall health of your blood vessels and heart.nnIf you have diabetes, you should maintain a good diet. Exercise and losing weight can help you keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.n“If lifestyle factors don’t seem to be enough to control your diabetes, your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication,” adds the Mayo Clinic.

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