<s>[INST] IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A STROKE AND NOT REALISE IT? [/INST] In short, yes.

It is possible to have what is known as a ‘Silent Stroke’, which is a stroke that you are either completely unaware of or have no memory of. Like ischaemic strokes, a silent stroke happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off, however the typical warning signs of stroke (such as FAST) are not noticeable as the part of the brain which the stroke has disrupted the blood supply to is one which does not control motor functions (such as speech or movement); meaning there are no visible symptoms. Because of this it is possible you can have a stroke and not be aware of it.  The most common way people discover they have suffered a silent stroke is by having an MRI or CT Scan for another condition. This could potentially be years after the event.

Unfortunately however, not being aware that you have had a stroke does not mean brain damage has not been caused. You may begin to suffer from cognitive symptoms such as memory loss, balance problems, frequent falls, mood swings, personality changes, laughing or crying at inappropriate times, bladder and/or bowel incontinence or difficulty with decision making. Research has also confirmed that suffering from multiple silent strokes puts a person at a significantly increased risk of developing vascular dementia. Source: ENABLE LAW . Link: https://www.enablelaw.com/news/expert-opinion/10-frequently-asked-questions-about-strokes/. Field: Neurology. Disease: Stroke </s>