Differences in stroke clinical presentation among sexes
Syeda Owais, Zachary Bulwa, Faten El Ammar
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: There are sex-based differences in stroke epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes. In this manuscript, we discuss the differences that exist in the clinical presentation of acute stroke among sexes. DISCUSSION: We present the differences in stroke presentation among sexes including age at the time of presentation, severity of stroke on presentation, and stroke type and location. We discuss the atypical clinical presentations, explore the radiographic findings on presentation (including location, infarct core volume, the impact of collateral circulation, hematoma location in intracranial hemorrhage), and discuss differences in time elapsed between symptom onset and management amongst sexes. CONCLUSION: Differences exist in stroke clinical presentation amongst sexes. These disparities have public health implications, and as they become better understood, impact awareness campaigns in both the public and healthcare communities.