For some people, the ability to speak or walk disappears in a moment. For others, arms, legs, and the face suddenly go numb. And for others, it's a rush of confusion or dizziness.
Such strange and sudden feelings should prompt most people to seek help in an emergency room and receive treatment right away. And the faster they act, the better their chances of surviving and escaping long-term disability.
What About Other Symptoms?
But what if you had a stroke and your symptoms weren't typical? What if you felt sudden pain on one side of your body, or nearly had a blackout? Many people might shrug it off for a while, not even thinking it could be a stroke. Even if they seek treatment immediately, their description of their symptoms might not make a nurse or doctor suspect a stroke.
Women are more likely than men to have non-typical stroke symptoms, according to research from the University of Michigan Stroke Program. Those differences could help explain things that have puzzled stroke specialists for years: why women often get to the emergency room too late for stroke treatment, and why they're more likely to die or be disabled by their stroke than men.
It's important for women to understand that they are also at risk for having a stroke, the researchers said, and for both men and women to recognize the warning signs of stroke so they can call 911 immediately and get to the hospital quickly and in time for therapy. |
