7 Atypical Signs of Stroke in Women

A stroke is a life-threatening condition where the blood cannot get to the brain, due to burst or blocked vessels, causing neuron death. Seeking immediate treatment for a suspected stroke can greatly improve the chances of limiting impacts. Knowing the warning signs of a stroke can allow immediate medical attention to be sought. However, recent research suggests that for women, stroke symptoms may be more difficult to detect. This is because women are thought to be more likely to exhibit atypical signs of stroke than men. 

Symptoms of Stroke

The most common symptoms of stroke are known by the acronym BE-FAST. This mnemonic stands for:

• Balance loss
• Eyesight changes
• Face-drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911.

Remembering this list of symptoms can help identify stroke symptoms, preventing crucial moments from passing before the person experiencing the stroke receives treatment. 

Atypical Symptoms of Stroke

However, atypical signs of stroke are often overlooked by women experiencing strokes. Since the United States Centers for Disease Prevention and Control reports strokes as the fifth leading cause of death in women, knowledge of these atypical symptoms can be crucial. These symptoms are often less acute than the BE-FAST symptoms but should be no less alarming. Atypical signs of stroke include:

• Severe headache
• Generalized weakness
• Generalized fatigue
• Shortness of breath and chest pains
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Brain fog
• Hiccups

Although many of these symptoms should not be cause for immediate alarm if they appear, they can signal that something is wrong. When these auto picks symptoms signal a stroke they may appear suddenly, persist over time, and impair the ability to function normally. 

If you or someone else appears to be having a stroke, seek immediate medical attention. Strokes can cause severe, long-lasting damage or be fatal. Remember, it is better to seek medical help and not be having a stroke than avoid medical help while suffering a stroke. 

Preventing Stroke

There are many ways to prevent stroke. Obtaining regular medical checkups can help catch health conditions that may increase the risk of stroke. Additionally, a healthy diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of stroke. Plant-based diets have been proven particularly effective in reducing stroke risk. This is because it may help reduce several risk factors including hypertension. One study found that plant-based diets can reduce the risk of stroke by 10 percent. However, an important caveat is that the reduced risk is only tied to healthy plant-based diets.   

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Related Content: 

• Intense Exercise Can Increase the Risk of Stroke for At-risk Individuals 
• New Study Links Zero Calorie Sweetener to Heart Attack and Stroke 
• A Plant-Based Diet Can Help Cut Your Risk for Stroke 
• German Shepherd Saves Owner’s Life During Stroke 
• Study Shows Salt Substitutes Could Reduce Risk of Stroke and High Blood Pressure 

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