Are Stroke Symptoms Different In A Woman? : Although you may be familiar with the stroke symptoms (balance issues, eyes vision problems, face drooping, arm weakness), B.E. F.A.S.T. is a symptom to recognize. Men and women may experience and report stroke symptoms differently. A blockage in different brain areas can cause numbness, weakness, language dysfunction or unsteadiness. The symptoms will differ based on the other areas of the brain and its functions. Recognition is one of the finest methods of interceding quickly.

During a stroke, most individuals generally report a sudden onset of any of these signs:

1. Numbness, weakness or trouble understanding
2. Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
3. Severe headache with no known cause

Females are also more likely than males to report generalized cognitive dysfunction and weakness as stroke signs. Most people don’t immediately associate these symptoms with a stroke; because some women experience symptoms nonspecific, it often takes longer to recognize that a stroke is happening. Research reports that women take three times longer than men to seek care for stroke because more women live alone and feel they can manage their symptoms.

Women may also report:

1. Hiccups
2. Nausea
3. Chest pain
4. Fatigue
5. Shortness of breath
6. A racing heartbeat

Women Have More Risk Factors

High blood pressure, smoking, high LDL cholesterol levels and diabetes are significant stroke risk factors for all individuals. Nevertheless, there are risk factors unique to people assigned female at birth, including:

1. Pregnancy: During pregnancy, changes in the coagulation system put you at increased risk for stroke. This can result in blood clots.
2. Preeclampsia: Research shows that a history of preeclampsia doubles a woman’s risk of stroke later in life.
3. Birth control pills: Oral contraceptives with a higher dose increase risk of stroke.
4. Aura migraine: There is some relationship between this and ischemic stroke, particularly in females with additional vascular risk factors.
5. Atrial fibrillation: Although an irregular atrial heart rhythm puts anyone at a higher risk of stroke, it is more likely to cause stroke and more severe complications in women.

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