STROKE SYMPTOMS

STROKE SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN

The unique stroke symptoms that women may experience.

Women may uniquely experience symptoms that can fail to be associated with stroke, leading to delayed treatment. For example;

  • Breathing difficulty
  • Pain
  • Seizures
  • Fainting or lack of consciousness
  • Confusion
  • Agitation
  • Hiccups

Please identify the symptoms and detail your understanding of why these symptoms are unique to women.

Hiccups

Research shows that women possibly experience hiccups more than men when they have a stroke. It can accompany chest pains and other stroke signs, and may lead to noticing other conditions like indigestion and heart disease.

Headache

Most women, especially under birth control pills, are likely to experience migraines associated with ischemic stroke. It also happens to younger women who smoke.

What is your advice to women fearful about having a stroke?

I recommend seeking medical support from a professional. Whenever you notice a sudden symptom, do not hesitate to seek to see a doctor, and have an open mind because it could be a possible false alarm. But it is better than risking and realizing later that it was a true stroke symptom. I always tell people to be quick because stroke is all about time; a few minutes can go a long way in saving one from brain damage or death.

Feel free to comment on why women are more likely to have a stroke than men.

Most women possibly suffer a stroke because they live longer than men, and research suggests that the risk increases with age. Women may also experience high blood pressure during pregnancy, a common stroke cause. Consuming birth control pills and hormonal medicines is another risk linked to stroke. But they can manage the risk by changing their lifestyle. For example, eating healthier and exercising to reduce the chances of blood clotting.

Anastasia Filipenko
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Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she's not trying out new skincare products, you'll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.

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