According to the American Heart Association, "a stroke is the disruption of the blood supply to, or within, the brain. When the blood supply is cut off, the brain does not receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs. The result is injury to the brain cells." As a result of the brain cell injury, normal brain function is disrupted. Both men and women can have strokes; however, while there are common signs, women have unique symptoms, according to the National Stroke Association. Seeking medical attention immediately after a stroke helps minimize brain damage.
Types of Strokes
According to the American Heart Association, women can suffer from four different types of strokes: cerebral thrombus, cerebral embolus, cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral thrombus and cerebral embolus are caused by blood clots; the cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage are caused by a ruptured brain artery and bleeding in the brain.
Common Stroke Signs
According to the National Stroke Association, some stroke signs appear in both men and women. These general stroke symptoms have rapid onset. Symptoms include numbness or weakness in the patient's face, arm or leg, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, vision problems in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and severe headaches that have no apparent cause.
Sick Feelings
When a woman is about to have a stroke, she may feel as though she is getting sick: Symptoms include hiccups and nausea, according to the National Stroke Association. These symptoms will come on suddenly, right before the onset of the stroke.
Pain
During a stroke, a woman can experience sudden pain in her face or limbs. She may also experience chest pain, according to the National Stroke Association.
Weakness
Some women may experience general weakness before a stroke, according to the National Stroke Association. This weakness can appear anywhere in the woman's body, such as her arms or legs.
Palpitations
Before the onset of a stroke, a woman may experience heart palpitations and become aware of an abnormal heart beat. Examples of palpitations include a slower or faster heart beat or an irregular heart rhythm. In addition to the heart palpitations, another symptom of an oncoming stroke in women is shortness of breath, according to the National Stroke Association.
