Discover 7 Unique Stroke Symptoms in Women: Uncover How It Differs from Men

Why Every Minute Counts When It Comes to Strokes

Time is brain, not just money. Strokes can cause significant damage to the brain, making prompt action crucial for saving lives. Neurologist Dr. Eliza Miller from NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center explains that the human brain contains a staggering 86 billion neurons. Research from the American Heart Association reveals that for every minute that passes during a stroke, approximately 1.9 million neurons are lost.

Recognizing the signs of a stroke quickly is vital. The BE-FAST acronym is a useful tool for identifying a stroke: Balance loss, Eyesight changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911. However, it’s important to note that while BE-FAST is helpful for most cases, it may not reflect the stroke experience for all individuals. Recent studies have shown that women often present with atypical and subtle symptoms, according to Dr. Hera Kamdar from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Overlooked Signs of Stroke in Women

In addition to the common symptoms listed in the BE-FAST mnemonic, women may experience other, less noticeable signs. These include severe headache, generalized weakness and fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pains, nausea and vomiting, brain fog, and even hiccups. It’s important to recognize that these symptoms can appear suddenly, be mistaken for other health issues, and may not affect only one side of the body (which is more typical for stroke patients). Additionally, these symptoms do not improve over time.

Although hiccups might seem like a random symptom, research suggests that they may be a sign of brain damage in stroke patients. They could indicate damage to areas of the brain responsible for breathing and movement control.

However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that not every hiccup or feeling of drowsiness should be cause for concern. Symptoms become worrisome when they severely impair functionality, such as extreme weakness or fatigue that prevents one from getting out of bed. Dr. Kamdar emphasizes that “every hiccup is not a stroke,” but if it’s accompanied by throat pain or other symptoms like vomiting, it should be taken seriously.

Understanding Stroke Symptoms in Men and Women

Scientists have found that hormones play a role in the different experiences of stroke between men and women. Estrogen, a key female reproductive hormone, has been shown in ongoing research to be protective against stroke due to its anti-inflammatory effects and its role in increasing blood flow to the brain. However, synthetic estrogen from sources like birth control or hormone replacement therapy can actually increase the risk of stroke.

The age factor also contributes to the higher lifetime risk of stroke in women compared to men. Estrogen levels decrease as women get older, and research indicates that the significant drop during menopause is associated with a higher risk of stroke later in life. Additionally, pregnancy can triple the risk of stroke in young women, primarily due to conditions like preeclampsia and the increased likelihood of blood clots.

What Should You Do if You Suspect a Stroke?

The rate of recovery from a stroke heavily depends on how quickly medical help is sought. Treatment options are available to improve outcomes, but timing is crucial. Even if you’re uncertain whether someone is experiencing a stroke, it’s recommended to call 911. It’s better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention promptly.