For years, researchers have claimed that men and women experience stroke symptoms differently. Studies of stroke warning signs highlight the fact that the mortality rate for female stroke survivors is higher than male stroke survivors, mostly as the result of treatment delays and the failure to report critical symptoms. According to this data, women may not experience the classic symptoms of a stroke. This leaves us with one question: Do men and women experience these symptoms differently?
What Are the Classic Signs & Symptoms?
The classic signs and symptoms of stroke can include headache, numbness and/or tingling (typically on one side of the body), difficulty speaking, confusion, dizziness, and vision changes. The severity of these symptoms will depend on the seriousness of the stroke. Statistics indicate women are less likely to report “minor” symptoms, attributing them to other health conditions or increased levels of stress or ignoring them because they fear being seen as complainers.
If your aging parent has had a stroke, compassionate professional help is just a phone call away. Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
What Are the Common Stroke Symptoms in Women?
In another study of gender and stroke, the majority of women who participated reported having atypical signs and symptoms. In order of most to least prominent, the symptoms women experienced included fainting or loss of consciousness, difficulty with breathing, pain, or thinking they had experienced seizures. Interpretation of symptoms is also an important consideration when looking at how these symptoms may be experienced.
A home caregiver can help your parent age in place safely by monitoring for signs of stroke and other health conditions. If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care in Jefferson County, Home Care Assistance is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Are Stroke Symptoms Different for Men & Women?
The National Stroke Association (NSA) recognizes there is indeed a difference in stroke symptoms for men and women. They recommend seeking help immediately if classic signs and symptoms have been experienced, but they have also added to the list of symptoms for women. Sudden hiccups that don’t go away, shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, and weakness are atypical symptoms many female stroke survivors experience. These can accompany the classic signs and symptoms of a stroke or may be experienced by themselves.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Jefferson County, CO, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place. If you need professional home care for your loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (303) 987-5992.