New research indicates that silent strokes are probably a lot more prevalent than once thought, especially after an elderly person has surgery. These silent strokes are not easily detected when they occur, but that doesn’t mean that they do not do damage to the person who suffers from them.
Researchers at McMaster University found that people aged 65 and older who had elective, non-cardiac related surgery were far more likely to suffer from a silent stroke than others. Although the symptoms of a stroke were not readily visible to the outside observer, these people suffered from double the likelihood of cognitive decline in the next 12 months.
The most common type of stroke occurs when there is a blockage of blood flow to the brain, temporarily decreasing the amount of oxygen that the brain receives. A stroke can cause permanent disability and even death. Someone who has survived a stroke may need help getting through daily tasks for the remainder of their life. Although physical therapy and other treatments can help some people recover, not everyone makes a full recovery after a stroke.
Common stroke symptoms include speech problems, sudden weakness in one arm or on one side of the body, and a sudden loss of coordination on one side of the body. Silent strokes, on the other hand, are not as easily noticed. They are strokes, but there are not always symptoms or warning signs that they have occurred right away. The symptoms that would help someone to easily identify what has happened and help that individual get the treatment needed to stay safe are not visible.
Regardless of what your loved one’s needs are, having someone on your side who knows the best way to help them overcome them and thrive is important. This is where it’s so important that you have a trained, professional caregiver on your side. At Paradise In-Home Care, we ensure that each one of our caregivers has received the latest and most thorough training when it comes to various health issues that seniors face, including the complications that stem from having a stroke.
In-home care is designed to help those needs be met. When someone starts having trouble getting around the house and doing the things that they once did with ease, having another set of hands on board to assist can be a huge blessing. A lot of families don’t mind having someone stay at home with a loved one and help with care–and in many cases this is more than enough. But it isn’t always. If you’re acting as a family caregiver and you’re struggling, then give us a call. One of our trained caregivers can sit down with you during a free consultation session and go over your family’s needs and help you to figure out how to meet them. Even if you don’t need a professional caregiver at this time, this can be a good opportunity to get some guidance and direction to provide better care for the people that you love.
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