Women, your stroke symptoms may differ from those of men

According to Healthline, stroke is among the top three causes of death for women in the U.S. Estimates indicate that one out of every five women in America will suffer a stroke. Unfortunately, up to 60% of female stroke victims will die. Women also have a higher lifetime risk than men have of suffering a stroke.

When you consider these statistics, it makes sense to pay attention to how a doctor diagnoses your symptoms when you seek medical care in Jacksonville. If you are female, this is especially critical. It also makes sense to alert your loved ones to any stroke or illness symptoms and instruct them to pay attention to diagnostic attempts on your behalf.

Why are women more at risk of a stroke?

Generally, women live longer than men do, which increases their stroke risk. Females are also more prone to suffer from high blood pressure, a top factor in the cause of strokes. Taking birth control and having gone through pregnancy may also increase the risk of a stroke.

What stroke symptoms do females exhibit?

A stroke comes with many symptoms, but some of these occur primarily in females. Examples include:

• Hiccups
• Nausea or vomiting
• Breathing problems
• Unconsciousness, fainting or seizures
• General weakness
• Pain

Further, female stroke patients also experience more “altered mental status” symptoms than male patients experience. Examples include:

• Abrupt behavioral changes
• Confusion, agitation and disorientation
• Hallucinations and unresponsiveness

A simple Google search reveals how strokes differ between men and women. As such, doctors and other emergency personnel should already have this knowledge. Historically, it is more challenging to diagnose strokes in females. However, it is reasonable to expect health care workers to consider a stroke in women exhibiting the corresponding symptoms.

If you or a loved one suffers permanent brain damage or death from a misdiagnosed stroke, you may qualify for financial compensation in a medical malpractice claim. A legal remedy also helps you hold the people responsible for your suffering to account for their wrongs.