Unexpected Stroke Experiences and Women’s Health Risks
HERSHEY, Pa. — Carolina Rosario, a 37-year-old resident of Harrisburg, experienced an alarming episode when a juice glass slipped from her grip, crashing onto the floor. In that moment, she felt unusually disoriented, as if her voice was foreign to her. Dismissing it as a fluke, she carried on with her day. However, three months later, she faced a far more alarming episode: a heavy sensation in her tongue, facial drooping, and a disconcerting loss of sensation in one arm. Alarmed and unable to hold her phone, she urgently contacted 911 and was taken to the Emergency Department at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Rosario’s experience positions her among the 55,000 women in the United States who suffer strokes each year. Dr. Lakshmi Shankar, a neurologist at Penn State Health, elaborates on strokes as sudden disruptions in neurological functions. The predominant type—ischemic stroke—occurs when blood flow to a brain region is obstructed. Contrary to common assumptions that strokes primarily affect men, statistical evidence shows that half of stroke patients are women.
The Reality of Stroke Statistics
Dr. Shankar notes, “In the past, we thought heart attacks and strokes were more common in men, but half of the people with strokes are women. In fact, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in women, as opposed to the fifth leading cause in men.” This shift in understanding illuminates the importance of recognizing women’s unique health risks.
Factors Increasing Stroke Risk in Women
While Rosario is younger than the typical stroke patient, certain conditions can predispose women to strokes, including endometriosis. Dr. Shankar explains that while traditional risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, affect both genders, women have specific health issues that elevate their stroke risk.
- Pregnancy complications like hypertension and preeclampsia can have lasting effects on a woman’s cardiovascular health.
- Autoimmune disorders and migraines with aura, which are more prevalent in women, also contribute to increased stroke risk.
- Endometriosis is a newer recognized factor linked to earlier strokes in women.
Recognizing Stroke Symptoms
Rosario exhibited several classic stroke symptoms, including facial drooping, difficulty with speech, and loss of motor function. Dr. Shankar emphasizes a useful acronym for identifying strokes: BE FAST.
- B: Balance issues or a sudden feeling of instability.
- E: Changes in vision.
- F: Facial drooping or weakness.
- A: Arm or leg weakness.
- S: Slurred speech or difficulty articulating words.
- T: Time to seek emergency assistance—call 911.
In women, additional symptoms such as confusion or loss of consciousness can also occur. Immediate medical intervention is crucial, particularly for ischemic strokes, where treatment options such as clot-busting medication are most effective within a narrow window of time following the stroke.
Rosario received a thorough evaluation at the ER, leading to her release for rehabilitation. Today, she manages her health by taking low-dose aspirin and magnesium to mitigate the risk of another stroke.
Research and Stroke Prevention
Even though strokes can often be survived, the associated mortality rate is escalating, particularly within lower-income demographics. Dr. Ramin Zand and Dr. Vida Abedi, both professors at Penn State College of Medicine, are spearheading a research initiative funded by the National Institutes of Health. Their focus lies in developing predictive data models powered by artificial intelligence to improve outcomes for ischemic stroke patients.
Highlighting the discrepancies in care access, particularly between urban and rural patients, Dr. Abedi states, “In rural regions, everything is so far away, so access to a hospital is very important.” Timeliness in receiving medical attention plays a vital role in determining treatment eligibility for life-saving interventions.
Healthy Lifestyle Modifications
For stroke prevention, Dr. Shankar suggests several lifestyle changes such as maintaining a nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and quitting smoking. Women who experience migraines with aura are advised to consult their healthcare providers regarding appropriate birth control options, as hormonal methods might increase stroke risk.
If you or someone around you exhibits any signs of a stroke, it is imperative to contact emergency services immediately.
The Medical Minute is a weekly health news segment produced by Penn State Health, featuring insights from medical experts designed to provide relevant health information to a diverse audience.
