Microstrokes can change personality

Microstrokes can change personality. This is a topic that is not talked about much and, however, it is interesting to discuss it due to the incidence of this disease. Above all, if we take into account that, when a patient suffers a cerebral infarction, he is not always aware of it nor does he show clear and obvious symptoms.

When talking about strokes and their effects, it is common to almost instantly visualize the classic stroke or the associated communication problems. However, sometimes the effects are quieter and affect only aspects related to character. For example, alterations in social behavior are a common effect in what we know as “mini-strokes” or transient ischemic attacks.

It is also important to emphasize another fact. These brain lesions can be progressive, that is, Multiple microstrokes can occur and lead to vascular dementia over time.. This reality is more common in elderly people. Let’s delve a little deeper into this topic to understand it better.

Microstrokes: aspects that we should know

Microstrokes are transient ischemic accidents that affect very small areas –microscopic almost- of the brain. We could say that the biggest problem with these strokes is that they hardly have any symptoms. This implies that a person can suffer from them at a given time and not know it. However, after a few days, changes in your personality and behavior may be evident.

The area that is most affected in microstrokes is the subcortical brain area. Any damage to this region results in apathy. Therefore, we may have a family member who suddenly shows a certain disinterest in what surrounds them, low motivation, and who stops reacting to many of the stimuli around them.

It is possible that this change could be due to many factors, but something that we cannot rule out are neurological variables. Any injury, no matter how minimal, in that subcortical area will gradually lead to emotional alterations and changes in the patient’s personality. They are subtle changes that over time can become more obvious and worrying.

Symptoms

A good part of microstrokes pass without leaving consequences and what the person experiences is little more than a general discomfort that can last a few days. However, in some cases severe and progressive alterations may appear, especially in the psychosocial sphere and not so much in the physical one.

Research work, such as those carried out at the University of Hong Kong, highlights that A common characteristic in patients who have suffered a stroke is to show a decrease in their social life. They begin to appear more irritable, lose patience, sense of humor… In some cases they can even show aggressive behavior. On the other hand, It is also common to experience dizziness, headaches or brain fog. In slightly more advanced stages, tremors and even some problems with swallowing may appear.Changes in personality after a microstroke are usually very slow, but progressive. At first we can perceive some small changes in that family member, to which we do not give importance. But over the weeks or months, we become fully aware of a clear alteration in the way that person is and acts.

When small strokes accumulate over time

One of the biggest problems with microstrokes is that several can occur over time. When many strokes accumulate, the brain already shows multiple lesions and this can translate into vascular dementia. Blood flow no longer reaches this organ in the same way, so the person will show more than just changes in their personality.

You will suffer memory problems.Limitations in planning and judgment.Emotional disturbances such as confusion, grief, depression, etc.

Can small strokes be prevented?

Strokes, as well as microstrokes or transient ischemic attacks cannot be 100% avoided. However, There are risk variables that we can all control to prevent their appearance in a significant percentage. They are the following:

Stop smoking if we are smokers. Avoid alcohol.Maintain a healthy and balanced dietrich in fresh fruits and vegetables, which allows us to keep our cholesterol levels at a good level.Perform aerobic exercise every day, like walking or going for a run. Avoid hypertension.Maintain adequate glucose levels.Take care of the weight.

On the other hand, the dimensions that we cannot control are age and genetics. Be that as it may, in all cases, Prevention and regular checkups are key. Likewise, it is also decisive to be attentive to any change in the personality and attitude of our elders. Early attention can be decisive in safeguarding the person’s faculties.

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