During a stroke, a blood artery breaks, which causes bleeding in the brain. It is a severe and urgent condition that needs medical attention. According to statistics, women are more likely to have a stroke in their lifetime than males. Here, it becomes crucial for every woman to understand the first signs of stroke.
What is a Stroke?
It’s possible to suffer from stroke because of a ruptured or blocked blood artery in your brain. The brain’s tissues lack blood and oxygen because of the rupture or obstruction.
A lack of oxygen damages brain cells and tissue, causing them to die within minutes. Because of the brain damage that happens when a part of the brain is restricted in blood supply, a stroke may cause significant physical and cognitive impairments. It can lead to speech difficulties, facial or bodily paralysis, bewilderment, etc.
Strokes May Be Classified Into Three Categories
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA) in which there is transient disturbance in blood flow to brain giving rise to symptoms, in most cases, disappears on its own within 24 hours.
- Ischemic Stroke involves an arterial obstruction, either from a clot or plaque. Ischemic stroke signs and problems may remain longer than a TIA), and sometimes, they might be permanent.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke occurs because of a ruptured or leaky blood vessel penetrating the brain.
Read Also – What Conditions Cause Strokes?
First Signs of Stroke in a Woman
The Most Frequent Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke in a Woman Include:
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Limb weakness:
Sudden onset One side upper limb and lower limb weakness is the most common symptom of stroke. Rarely single limb paralysis can be seen. Paralysis depends on which area of brain is affected by stroke. This paralysis if not TIA is always Permanent and patient always has a residual weakness.
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Problems with balance, walking, or coordination:
Getting up from a sitting position may be challenging without tripping or falling. There could even be a minor stumbling. Because of dizziness’ effect on walking and balance, it might be a co-symptom.
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Uncertainty or an inability to understand:
This manifests as an inability to comprehend specific words and instructions. Since age, stress, or simple distractions may also cause this symptom, diagnosing it can be challenging. There isn’t necessarily a direct link between the two events in the days following a stroke.
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Difficulty in reading:
One side of the body may be more severely affected by a stroke. A stroke on the left side of the brain, which handles language, may be fatal, according to Women’s Health. As a result, it may impede your capacity to talk, comprehend what others are saying, and even write or read.
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Dizziness:
Difficulty walking or standing because of dizziness might be a sign of imbalance. Nausea and vomiting might occur if a person claims that the world is spinning. It’s crucial to get medical attention if you have this without warning since it might be misdiagnosed as vertigo.
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Facial paralysis:
The most common sign of a stroke is a loss of consciousness. The asymmetry of the face is caused by a drooping or numbing of one side. You may always ask the individual to grin if you are unsure. Medical attention should be sought immediately if the person cannot do these tasks.
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Poor Eyesight:
A person may have visual problems before a stroke sometimes. Double or blurred vision, or even the inability to see, are all possibilities. If you show someone your fingers and they have no idea how many you have, you should seek medical attention right away.
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Loss of reflex action:
Dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, is possible for those with a stroke. Most of the time, this occurs after a stroke, although it may sometimes occur before or during one.
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Numbness:
One side of the body may be more affected by numbness and lack of feeling since strokes usually only affect one side of the body.
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Trouble speaking:
Early warning symptoms include slurred or halted speech as well. The individual may not talk or may have difficulty constructing grammatically accurate phrases. This symptom may confuse.
What to do in case of stroke?
Every second is crucial when dealing with a stroke. If you notice somebody with the above symptoms, contact emergency help and head to the hospital as soon as possible.
An unconsciousness or lack of balance might lead to a stroke. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a stroke, take the following steps:
- Contact your local emergency services. If you’re experiencing signs of a stroke, ask someone else to make the call on your behalf. While you’re waiting for emergency help, keep calm as much as possible.
- Ensure the person you care for is in a secure and comfortable posture if they’re suffering a stroke. With their head slightly elevated and supported in case they vomit while resting on one side, this is the ideal position.
- Make sure they’re breathing by checking their ears, nose, and mouth for any signs of trouble. Do CPR if the person is not breathing. Let go of any apparel that restricts their airflow, such as a scarf or necktie.
- Be calm and soothing throughout your conversation.
- To keep them warm, wrap them up in a blanket.
- Do not provide them with any food or drink.
- Avoid moving the person if they show any signs of weakness in a limb.
- Keep an eye out for any changes in the person’s health. Be sure to describe your problems and when they began to the emergency operator. Consider mentioning whether they fell or injured their head.
Conclusion
A stroke is a severe medical ailment that may leave patients permanently crippled or dead. It is the leading cause of death. Stroke may occur at any age, and women are at a higher risk of dying from it during their lifetime than men.
Common stroke risk factors and extra risk factors such as hormone therapy and pregnancy should be made known to women, especially those of childbearing age. Women should also be mindful of unusual stroke symptoms and seek immediate medical assistance if they develop any of them.
About Author
Dr. Eshan Nerkar
Neurologist And Neurosuegeon
Dr. Eshan Nerkar, Consultant Brain & Spine Surgeon in Nashik specializes in Spine Surgery. He practices at AXON Brain & Spine Clinic. He is one of the best neurosurgeons in Nashik with more than 10 years of experience. He has performed more than 1000 surgeries related to brain and spinal surgery procedures.