As a woman, you know what your health risks are: heart disease; cancers of the breast, cervix and ovaries; and osteoporosis. However, a major, life-threatening condition may be staring you right in the face: stroke.

Strokes or "brain attacks" occur when a blockage in an artery deprives the brain of oxygen. These events traditionally have been thought of as "male" problems, but more women than men die from strokes each year.

"Strokes are the third leading cause of death in women," says Jessica Feldman, MD, board-eligible neurologist at Central Montgomery Medical Center (CMMC).

But don't despair, because there is good news: Up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable by keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels in check, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake and staying active.

What to Watch For
At the first sign of a stroke, dial 911 or seek immediate medical treatment. The problem, Dr. Feldman says, is that the majority of women do not recognize stroke symptoms when they occur.

"Women might feel a sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face, or in one arm or leg," she says. "Blurred vision, dizziness, trouble speaking, sudden unexplainable headaches or loss of comprehension also can indicate a stroke."

Early diagnosis -- preferably within three hours of an attack or sooner -- enables emergency physicians to deliver timely, potentially life-saving treatment.

Early Intervention Can Help You
"Intervention with tissue plasminogen activator [tPA], a clot-busting drug, may significantly reduce the deficit or disability that occurs as a result of the stroke," Dr. Feldman says. "This therapy dissolves blood clots and reestablishes blood flow through arteries. This helps salvage brain tissue that, hopefully, has not been irreparably damaged."

While early intervention helps to minimize the effect of the stroke, many times people are still left with long-term side effects including paralysis, memory loss, vision or speech problems, and difficulty walking.

Jessica Feldman, MD

Find a Path Toward Recovery
At CMMC's Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU), stroke survivors relearn skills to regain their independence.

Physical therapists work to improve muscle strength in patients who have experienced a loss of balance or have minimal movement in their limbs due to paralysis. Those who have difficulty swallowing, speaking or understanding speech practice oral exercises with speech therapists. Occupational therapists can help patients learn how to perform daily tasks, such as dressing, bathing and cooking.

Are You at Risk?
Strokes can strike at any time. More than 30 percent of attacks happen before a woman turns 65, so younger women also are at risk. The following factors heighten your risk:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Being overweight or obese
• Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• History of strokes
• Use of birth control pills
• Smoking (Smokers older than age 35 who take oral contraceptives are especially vulnerable.)

Want to Learn More?
For more information about the Acute Rehabilitation Unit, please call 215-361-6771. To find a physician in your area who can identify your risk of stroke, please call Direct Doctors^SM Plus at 866-446-2507.

Central Montgomery Medical Center 100 Medical Campus Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446 215-368-2100 | FAX 215-361-4933