Stroke is the third-leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. A recent survey conducted by the National Stroke Association indicates that one in three Americans cannot name even one symptom associated with an imminent stroke. Recognition of symptoms is the vital first step in making sure you get the best and most immediate treatment possible. The signs and symptoms associated with stroke among men and women are described below.
Traditional Signs of Stroke
Both men and women may experience some common or traditional signs that they are having a stroke.
Because a stroke is caused by a clotted or ruptured artery, blood supply is cut off to the affected area. This typically produces symptoms of numbness, tingling, and/or weakness on one side of the face, arm or leg. Other signs include dizziness, impaired coordination and balance, problems walking, blurred or reduced vision in one or both eyes, difficulties speaking or understanding speech, and a severe headache that comes on acutely and has no apparent cause.
Non-Traditional Signs of Stroke
Women are more likely to exhibit some non-traditional symptoms of stroke, so it is vital for women to be educated about how the signs of an imminent stroke might differ for them. A study published in a 2009 edition of Stroke reports that women are almost 1.5 times more likely to experience non-traditional stroke symptoms than men. Of all the non-traditional symptoms of stroke, altered mental status is the most common in women. Symptoms of an altered mental status include confusion, disorientation and potentially loss of consciousness (including fainting, seizure and coma).
According to the National Stroke Center, other non-traditional symptoms of stroke that may be seen in women include face and limb pain, the sudden onset of chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, unexplained nausea, vomiting, fever and hiccups.
Acting on Signs of Imminent Stroke
A stroke is an emergency. The only FDA-approved drug to break up the stroke-causing clot (called tissue plasminogen activator, or TPA) must be administered within three hours of the onset of stroke symptoms, so it is vital to seek help immediately in order to get the best treatment possible. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the signs of imminent stroke listed below, call 911 and seek emergency medical care right away.
References
- Stroke Center: Stroke Statistics
- National Stroke Association: Unique Symptoms in Women
- Stroke; Acute Stroke Symptoms: Comparing Women and Men; Lynda D. Lisabeth et al.; 2009
