Women’s stroke symptoms can differ from men’s, according to expert

Do you know your risk of stroke? Stroke is the third most common cause of death in women, and many people don't know that while men and women often have similar symptoms, the signs of stroke can be different for women than for men. Dr. Adrienne Salomon, a board-certified neurologist from Crystal Run Healthcare, stresses how important it is to know these differences: to know the importance of treating strokes quickly and to understand what conditions might increase the risk of having a stroke.

A stroke occurs when part of the brain doesn't get enough blood. A stroke caused by a blood clot blocking a person's blood supply is called an ischemic stroke. A stroke caused by a blood vessel bursting is called a hemorrhagic stroke. While the symptoms can be similar to each other, treatment is different for strokes caused by blood clots and hemorrhages.  In either case, it is important to be evaluated and treated by a medical professional as soon as possible.

The B.E. F.A.S.T. model, made by Intermountain Healthcare based on the American Stroke Association’s F.A.S.T. model, is an easy guide to remember the main signs of a stroke: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech and Time. This means looking for sudden loss of balance, trouble with seeing, one side of the face drooping, weakness or numbness in the arms, slurred speech and the importance of time — getting help fast.

"Knowing the signs of a stroke can make a huge difference in survival and recovery," stressed Dr. Salomon. “Getting emergency medical help fast can lead to better recovery for stroke victims.”

Dr. Salomon pointed out that women might experience other stroke symptoms that are not as typical. "Women may be more likely to experience unique symptoms like fainting, severe fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion, sudden behavioral changes, hallucinations, nausea or pain," she explained. "It's important to know all types of stroke symptoms because they might be overlooked as signs of less serious conditions, which can delay crucial treatment."

“High blood pressure is the number one cause of stroke, and women may have specific health issues that raise their risk of high blood pressure and therefore their risk of strokes,” said Dr. Salomon.
These conditions include being pregnant, which triples the stroke risk compared to non-pregnant women of the same age, and conditions like preeclampsia, a complication in pregnancy that can affect blood pressure, which doubles the risk of stroke later in life. Other factors include using birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, having migraines with aura especially if combined with smoking, and atrial fibrillation – a type of irregular heartbeat that is more common in women over 75.

"Discussing these risk factors and recognizing the broader range of stroke symptoms in women is essential," Dr. Salomon emphasized. "This may not only help prevent strokes, because people can discuss their risks with their doctor, but also help ensure that treatment can be administered promptly if a stroke occurs because more people will be aware of less-known symptoms of a stroke."

It is crucial to understand the signs of stroke and the specific risks faced by women. Dr. Salomon and the Neurology team at Crystal Run Healthcare are committed to educating and treating their patients to prevent and manage strokes effectively. Early action is key to effective treatment. To learn more about stroke prevention and treatment or to discuss your personal risk factors, schedule an appointment with Crystal Run Healthcare. Visit crystalrunhealthcare.com for more information and take a proactive step towards better health.

Adrienne Salomon, M.D. is a board-certified neurologist at Crystal Run Healthcare. She earned her Medical Degree at Saba University School of Medicine in Saba, Dutch Caribbean. She completed her Neurology Internship at the West Virginia University Hospital in Morgantown, WV, and her Neurology Residency at St. Francis Hospital in Trenton, NJ. Dr. Salomon finished her Fellowship in Neurophysiology with an Emphasis in Epilepsy at North Shore LIJ in Great Neck, NY. She has clinical interests in epilepsy. Dr. Salomon is currently seeing patients in Middletown and Newburgh, NY.