In general, men and women experience the same symptoms of stroke (e.g., sudden weakness, confusion, headache, dizziness). However, there are a few symptoms that may be unique in women experiencing strokes, according to the National Stroke Association. These symptoms may develop suddenly and include:

• Face and limb pain
• Hiccups
• Nausea
• General weakness
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations

A stroke is a true medical emergency and the following steps are strongly advised by healthcare professionals:

• Do not take aspirin unless directed by your physician. Although chewing adult-strength aspirin can be helpful for people who are having a heart attack, people who are having a hemorrhagic stroke can greatly worsen the situation by taking aspirin. However, only one out of every 10 strokes are hemorrhagic and patients who are at risk for the most common type of stroke (ischemic stroke) may be directed to take aspirin or other antiplatelet medicine by their physicians.
  
  
• Call 9-1-1 immediately. Studies have shown that stroke patients who arrived at a hospital by ambulance were seen by a physician 55 percent faster than those who arrived by private car. Women are encouraged to do everything they can to be seen as soon as possible. Recent studies have suggested that, in comparison with men having a stroke, women having a stroke take longer to get to a hospital and wait longer in the emergency room to see a physician. Recovery success from stroke is closely tied to rapid medical intervention, so it is important that all stroke sufferers get immediate medical attention.
  
  
• Note the time when the symptoms began and keep track of any symptoms as they appear or worsen.