Stroke is a significant health concern for women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 women in the United States will experience a stroke during their lifetime. Women may face unique stroke risk factors and symptoms, making stroke awareness especially important. Learning the signs of stroke, understanding your risk and seeking immediate medical attention when symptoms occur can help support better health outcomes. Factors such as age, existing health conditions and overall wellness may also affect stroke recovery.

Stroke Symptoms Unique to Women

In addition to common stroke symptoms, women may experience unique warning signs of stroke that can sometimes be more difficult to recognize. Understanding the signs and symptoms of stroke can help you seek emergency medical care as quickly as possible. According to the National Stroke Association, women may experience symptoms that include:

• Loss of consciousness or fainting
• General weakness
• Difficulty or shortness of breath
• Confusion, unresponsiveness or disorientation
• Sudden behavioral change
• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain
• Seizures
• Hiccups

Recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention is critical. Physicians on the medical staff at Texas Health hospitals help educate patients and communities about stroke awareness, including the signs and symptoms that may require emergency care. 

When to Seek Emergency Care

Stroke is a medical emergency, and minutes matter. If you think you or someone else may be experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately. Early recognition and timely medical evaluation are important when stroke symptoms occur. Treatments may be most effective when stroke symptoms are identified and diagnosed as quickly as possible.

Keeping Stroke at Bay - Stroke Prevention and Reducing Future Risk

Preventing additional strokes is also a high priority, as 1 in 4 strokes are reoccurring. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the chance of a patient having another stroke within 90 days of the first is around 17 percent, with the first week holding the highest risk. This is one of the many reasons why receiving treatment quickly is so important. A patient’s doctor can help manage his/her other risk factors, prescribe necessary medication and recommend lifestyle changes and even surgery, when necessary.