Look Who it Was Random video

Investigating Cryptogenic Stroke

732 views · Published 29 June 2015 · 1:48 · Indexed 8 November 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2015 · Science & Technology

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In many ways, cryptogenic strokes are a mystery; one that strikes a younger than normal patient population with very little warning.

“Typically we see the cryptogenic stoke, which means stroke from unknown cause, in the young age group. This is the 40-60 year old population. Sometimes it’s as low as 30’s,” says Dr. Robert Cross, who is an interventional cardiologist with Lee Memorial Health System. 

Mostly seen in people under 45 without common risk factors, cryptogenic strokes leave little doubt, but many questions.

“A patient may come in with full blown stroke symptoms - numbness, slurred speech, drooling. They’re treated aggressively then you’re looking for the reason they had the stroke,” says Dr. Cross. 

Cardiologists often get involved because of a potential link between cryptogenic strokes and the heart condition Afib. An irregular heartbeat heightens stroke risk and with a third of stroke survivors vulnerable to a second stroke, it is important to get answers. An implantable loop recorder is frequently used to track heart activity. 

“It’s a wireless system that monitors the patients to see if they have any of these arrhythmias which sometimes could take months to manifest themselves,” says Dr. Cross. 

Studies find monitoring long term, greatly increases the chance of identifying elusive Afib and treating it appropriately.

“Is this just a benign rhythm that just needs lifestyle changes, treatment with medicines, or is this a more malignant rhythm that can predetermine stroke?” says Dr. Cross. 

Employing super-sleuth tactics are worth the effort to solve a life-threatening mystery.


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Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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