Silent Brain Infarcts

Silent Brain Infarcts

Silent brain infarcts — also known as silent strokes — are small areas of brain tissue damage caused by a lack of blood flow. Unlike traditional strokes, they don’t cause immediate, obvious symptoms. However, over time, they can lead to cognitive decline, balance issues, and an increased risk of future stroke.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we support individuals with the long-term effects of silent strokes through our specialist inpatient neurorehabilitation programmes. We help patients rebuild confidence, restore independence, and reduce the risk of further neurological decline.

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What Is a Silent Brain Infarct?

A silent infarct is a small stroke that occurs deep in the brain, often affecting white matter or small arteries. These strokes usually don’t cause noticeable signs at the time, but may be discovered later during brain imaging (such as an MRI or CT scan) for other reasons.

While “silent” in the moment, these infarcts are not harmless. Repeated silent strokes can gradually affect memory, thinking, movement, and balance — especially in older adults.

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Common Effects Over Time

Even without sudden symptoms, silent brain infarcts can lead to:

• Mild cognitive impairment or slowed thinking
• Poor balance and coordination
• Frequent falls or unsteadiness
• Urinary urgency (especially in older patients)
• Mood or behavioural changes
• Increased risk of vascular dementia
• Higher likelihood of major stroke

Many people discover they’ve had silent infarcts only after they develop these issues or undergo a brain scan for another concern.

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What Causes Silent Brain Infarcts?

The causes are often the same as those for more severe strokes:

• High blood pressure (hypertension) – the most common cause
• Type 2 diabetes
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Atrial fibrillation (AF)
• Small vessel disease
• Ageing and a history of cardiovascular disease

They are more common in people over 60, particularly those with other vascular risk factors.

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Diagnosis

Silent infarcts are often identified during imaging performed for:

• Memory or cognitive assessment
• Investigation of dizziness, falls, or unsteadiness
• Assessment of vascular risk following a TIA or stroke

MRI scans are the most sensitive for detecting silent infarcts and small vessel disease. These scans may show evidence of:

• White matter lesions
• Old lacunar infarcts
• Brain atrophy

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Why Silent Strokes Matter

Even a single silent infarct doubles the risk of future stroke. Multiple silent infarcts are also associated with:

• Declining mental sharpness
• Loss of independence
• Gait and movement problems
• Progression to vascular dementia

Early recognition and intervention can help reduce further brain damage and preserve quality of life.

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How We Can Help

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we offer private neurorehabilitation for adults living with the consequences of silent brain infarcts and related cognitive or balance issues.

Our approach includes:

• Cognitive rehabilitation – for memory, focus, and executive function
• Balance and gait training – through specialist physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy – to improve daily functioning and reduce fall risk
• Neuropsychology support – for emotional wellbeing and adjustment
• Speech and language therapy – if communication is affected
• Consultant-led medical oversight to guide vascular risk reduction

Our care is tailored to each patient’s needs and goals.

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Who Is This Suitable For?

We welcome adults (18+) who:

• Have been diagnosed with silent brain infarcts
• Are experiencing early cognitive or mobility changes
• Want to reduce their risk of further stroke
• Need inpatient rehabilitation after diagnosis or hospital stay

To enquire about availability or referrals, please call 01296 678800 or contact us online.

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Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• One of the UK’s leading private neurorehabilitation centres
• Experience with complex neurological and vascular conditions
• Consultant-led, multidisciplinary care
• Calm, structured inpatient environment with 24/7 nursing
• Focus on long-term health, independence, and prevention