Tag Archives: stroke signs and symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Stroke in Women

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Men are more likely to have a stroke. However, women have a higher lifetime risk and are also more likely to die from a stroke.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in five women will have a stroke. Women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke because they tend to live longer than men. They also have unique risk factors, including:

  • Pregnancy
  • Preeclampsia
  • The use of hormonal birth control
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Obesity
  • Migraine with aura, which is more common in women
  • Atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is more common in women over 75 years of age

Many symptoms of stroke are common in both men and women, including:

  • Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face and limbs, most likely on one side of the body
  • Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding
  • Sudden and severe headaches with no known cause
  • Sudden dizziness, difficulty walking, or loss of balance or coordination

Women may report symptoms that are often not associated with strokes in men. These symptoms can include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Hiccups
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • General weakness

Because these symptoms can signify a different condition, it can be difficult to connect them immediately to a stroke. This can delay treatment and slow recovery.

The American Stroke Association recommends an easy strategy for identifying the symptoms of a stroke. If you think you or someone around you may be having a stroke, you should act FAST:

  • Face – ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
  • Arms – ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
  • Speech – ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
  • Time – if you observe any of these symptoms, it is time to call 911 or your local emergency services.

When it comes to a stroke, every minute counts. The longer you wait to call emergency services, the more likely it is that the stroke will result in brain damage or disability.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has been accredited as a Comprehensive Stroke Center (the highest designation of stroke care) by the Joint Commission. Whether you’ve survived a stroke or may be at risk of experiencing one, you can schedule an appointment for neuroendovascular screening, stroke rehabilitation, or any other form of stroke treatment that we provide. To schedule an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

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All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Signs of a Stroke

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stroke signs -512037142 (1)The easiest way to recognize the warning signs of a stroke is to think F.A.S.T.  If someone you know is suddenly exhibiting the following signs, call 9-1-1 for help immediately:

F- Face Drooping: If one side of the person’s face is drooping, ask them if their face feels numb and ask them to smile.   You should be concerned if they are unable to smile or their smile is uneven.

A- Arm weakness:  Does the individual’s arm feel numb or weak? Ask them to raise both arms and watch to see if one arm drifts downward.

S- Speech difficulty: If the person is trying to speak and they are difficult to understand or their speech is slurred, ask them to say a simple sentence, such as “my name is Jane,” repeatedly.

T- Time to call 9-1-1:  You should never wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 if someone is displaying these warning signs.

Additional symptoms of a stroke are:

  • Sudden confusion
  • Severe headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Sudden loss of coordination

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States.  Eighty percent of strokes are preventable and by spotting these warning signs and acting quickly, the severity of a stroke can be reduced drastically.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is a state- designated stroke center. To speak with a medical professional about stroke prevention and care please call our ambulatory care unit at 718-206-7001 or visit the National Stroke Association’s website at www.stroke.org.

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All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.