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ATLANTA — In the realm of strokes, every minute counts, as the brain is highly susceptible to injury, according to Dr. Eliza Miller, a neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. With 86 billion neurons in the human brain, a stroke can result in the loss of 1.9 million neurons every minute, as per research from the American Heart Association.
Recognizing stroke symptoms promptly is crucial for saving lives. BE-FAST, a mnemonic acronym, assists in identifying strokes by focusing on balance loss, eyesight changes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and the need to call 911. While BE-FAST is effective in detecting common stroke symptoms, it may not fully capture the stroke experience of women, who often exhibit atypical and subtle symptoms, according to Dr. Hera Kamdar, an assistant professor of neurology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
As the fifth leading cause of death in women, stroke mortality rates can be attributed to these overlooked symptoms. Apart from the signs listed in the BE-FAST mnemonic, Kamdar highlights several less noticeable symptoms seen in women, such as severe headaches, generalized weakness and fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pains, nausea and vomiting, brain fog, and hiccups. These symptoms can manifest suddenly, potentially leading to misinterpretation as other health issues. Unlike the one-sided muscle weakness commonly associated with strokes, these symptoms do not improve over time.
Although symptoms like hiccups may seem unrelated, research suggests that stroke-related hiccups could indicate brain damage to areas controlling breathing and movement. However, it is important to note that experiencing these symptoms alone does not necessarily indicate a stroke. Concern arises when they severely impair functionality or occur in combination with other worrisome symptoms like throat pain or vomiting.
Gender Differences in Stroke Symptoms
Scientists have proposed several explanations for the differing stroke experiences between men and women. Hormones, especially estrogen, play a significant role. Research suggests that estrogen, with its anti-inflammatory effects, offers protection against strokes and improves blood flow in critical arteries supplying the brain. However, these benefits only apply to naturally produced estrogen, and the use of synthetic estrogen in methods like birth control or hormone replacement therapy can increase stroke risk.
Age also contributes to the higher lifetime risk of stroke in women. Estrogen levels decrease as women age, and the substantial drop during menopause is associated with an increased stroke risk later on. Pregnancy can also triple the risk of stroke in young women due to conditions like preeclampsia and blood clot formation to prevent excessive bleeding during delivery.
What to Do If You Suspect a Stroke
Seeking immediate medical help is crucial for stroke recovery and survival. Treatment options exist, but they are time-sensitive. Even if unsure, it is advised to call 911 to ensure timely intervention. According to Dr. Miller, it is better to have someone come into the emergency room and turn out to be fine than to miss the opportunity to treat a stroke.
