With May comes the appreciation of a few of the most important women in our lives – our mothers.  Not only is Mother’s Day celebrated in May, but it’s also National Stroke Awareness Month. As women age, it is important to know the risks and effects of stroke, the factors that put women at higher risk of stroke versus men and methods of prevention. Dr. Maushmi Sheth, neurologist on the medical staff at Centennial Medical Center in Frisco, answers a few questions on the risks and effects of stroke. 

Q: What is stroke?

Stroke is a brain attack. It occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to the brain or bleeding within the brain, leading to brain tissue damage.

Q: What are the different types of stroke?

According to the National Stroke Association, the two types of stroke are hemorrhagic and thrombotic stroke. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by the breakage or "blowout" of a blood vessel in the brain. Thrombotic strokes are when blood flow is impaired because of a blockage to one or more of the arteries, supplying blood to the brain. The process leading to this blockage is known as thrombosis.

Q: How does a stroke affect women vs. men?

Some factors that affect women’s risk of a stroke versus men include menstruation, using contraceptives, specifically oral, pregnancy or being in a postpartum state, since they can increase chances of a blood clot formation or result in hemorrhagic stroke, in addition to having other vascular risk factors which are also seen in men such as high blood pressure, high lipid levels or hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity and smoking.

Q: What age are women most likely at risk of a stroke?

In general, studies show the average age of women with a stroke incident is 75 years versus men which is 71 years. Women are more likely to have an incident of stroke after the age of 85.

Q: What triggers a stroke?

Many issues can trigger a stroke, including elevated blood pressure, a blood clot in the heart, atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heart rate that commonly causes poor blood flow to the body; uncontrolled diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking, blood disorders, vascular malformations and oral contraceptive pills.

Q: What are a few ways women can prevent the oncoming of a stroke?

Women can prevent the oncoming of a stroke by controlling vascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity and smoking. It is important to exercise, stay away from smoking and be observant of stroke symptoms.

Q: What are the symptoms of a stroke? Are there any unique to women?

Symptoms of stroke include sudden headache, facial weakness, speech problems, weakness on one side of the body, numbness on one side of the body, loss of consciousness and seizures. There is no significant difference between men and women in presentation of stroke. If you believe someone is presenting these symptoms, it is extremely important to call 911 immediately.

Q: How is a stroke treated?

Depending on the initial cause, stroke can be treated in different ways. Ischemic stroke can be treated with thrombolysis, the use of drugs to break up or dissolve blood clots, if the patient receives medical care within three hours or less. Hemorrhagic strokes are treated with control of risk factors and surgical and intensive care. Strokes in pregnancy are more critical if they occur from deep vein thrombosis, a formation of a blood clot in a vein that is deep inside a part of the body, usually the legs.

Q: What is involved in recovering from a stroke?

Recovery involves physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and ultimately addressing the underlying cause of the stroke.