Important Information About A Stroke

People over age 60, especially those with high blood pressure, may experience a “silent stroke” and won’t even know it, the American Academy of Neurology says.
Although relatively symptom-free, silent strokes are a major health problem among the elderly. Usually found incidentally on an MRI of the brain, these strokes have been linked to memory and thinking problems.
When patients are asked whether they remember having a stroke, they are often surprised and cannot recall feeling any symptoms of stroke.
One study showed that by the age of 69, approximately 10 percent to 11 percent of people who consider themselves stroke-free have suffered at least one stroke that can be seen on MRI.
People who have had a silent stroke are at higher risk for subsequent strokes and for an accelerated loss of mental skills.

Have you or a family member ever suffered one of these strokes and only later a doctor discovered it? If so, we want to talk to you for an article.

Your experience could help other city of Houston retirees and employees.
Please contact Dave Schafer, dave.schafer@houstontx.gov or
713-837-9386.

Posted July 12, 2011