Answer:
A stroke results from lack of blood flow to the brain. This means that a region of
cells is not able to work properly and can generate a variety of symptoms, depending
on the brain area that has been affected. For example, if the brain region controlling
speech is lacking blood, a person may not be able to speak and words will come out
garbled, incorrect or not at all. Neurologists like to say that brain injury is like
real estate: location, location, location. When a vital area loses blood supply and
you have a stroke, it is frequently obvious. Main signs include weakness of the face,
arms, legs, change in speech, balance or vision.
But one can have small strokes affecting minor areas without obvious loss; i.e. these strokes happen in a remote location. If you accumulate enough of these small strokes it may slow down your brain's processing ability and look like a dementia.
So if you think you may have had a stroke, I would seek a medical evaluation to answer this question, particularly if you know you have risk factors for stroke or this condition runs in your family.
But one can have small strokes affecting minor areas without obvious loss; i.e. these strokes happen in a remote location. If you accumulate enough of these small strokes it may slow down your brain's processing ability and look like a dementia.
So if you think you may have had a stroke, I would seek a medical evaluation to answer this question, particularly if you know you have risk factors for stroke or this condition runs in your family.