A stroke happens when the brain cannot function due to lack of blood flow or when a blood vessel in the brain explodes and floods the brain with blood, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS). When a stroke occurs, brain cells die rapidly and cognitive function may be lost. The symptoms of a stroke in a woman may be quite different from stroke symptoms in a man.
Exhaustion
An unexpected and quick onset of feeling exhausted may indicate that a stroke is in progress. The exhaustion may be so overwhelming that it is hard to stay oriented and alert.
Nausea and Headache
A feeling of queasiness or nausea, as if about to vomit, is a sign of a stroke in women. An unusually strong headache may accompany the nausea.
Unusual Chest Symptoms
Women experiencing a stroke may have shortness of breath and a sudden feeling of not being able to get enough air, according to DHHS. A woman's heart rate may also feel faster than usual during the time of a stroke or right before it.
Vision Problems
Difficulties with vision that occur quickly may indicate that the brain is experiencing a stroke. Vision may become blurry or very weak during a stroke.
Pain on One Side of the Body
Strong and quick onset of pain in the arm, face or leg is a common sign that a stroke is about to happen or has started. This pain typically occurs on only one side of the body. The pain typically abates when the stroke ends.
Hiccups
A woman who experiences an onset of the hiccups without any known cause may be experiencing a stroke. The link between hiccups and strokes is unknown, but hiccups are documented to happen sometimes in women as a stroke is occurring.
Inability to Communicate
If a woman is suddenly unable to speak or understand what someone else is saying, she may be having a stroke. Words may come out as gibberish as a stroke is occurring.
Inability to Walk
An inability to walk or maintain equilibrium may be a sign of a stroke in a woman. If a loss of balance hits quickly or a woman cannot move her legs, she may be having a stroke.
