Patients with subclinical or ‘silent’ stroke have no obvious symptoms, but have suffered brain injuries, most often as a result of blood clots interrupting blood flow in the brain. These strokes occur fives times more frequently than clinically obvious strokes and are a risk factor for other neurological problems, such as dementia.

‘Little strokes, big trouble’ is the theme of this year’s World Stroke Day, which takes place on 29 October.

Although patients may not report symptoms of silent stroke, they may show evidence of changes in thinking, mood and personality.

The World Stroke Organisation is calling for renewed vigour in the diagnosis of silent strokes through identification of such symptoms or the appearance of other changes, such as depression.

tom.moberly@haymarket.com

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