The Signs and Symptoms of Stroke for Women
need to know
Issue no. 2: matters of the heart
photography - ailyn robles
Stroke is a leading cause of mortality for women, with twice as many women a year dying from a stroke than from breast cancer. Stroke is also a leading cause of disability for women. Because women live longer than men, they are more likely to experience a stroke while living alone. This can result in a more difficult recovery, which may require living in a long-term care facility.
The general signs and symptoms of a stroke include:
- one-sided weakness of face or limbs
- difficulty speaking
- blurred vision
- confusion
- loss of balance and hand-eye coordination
However, women can also present unique symptoms, which could delay treatment if not recognized as a stroke. These symptoms include:
- disorientation
- nausea and vomiting
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- generalized weakness
- fainting, hallucination
- seizures
Early detection is crucial in the treatment of stroke, which needs to be initiated within a few hours of symptoms first occuring. If one suspects they are experiencing a stroke, it is critical to seek help immediately. Learn more about how to prevent a stroke.
