Women and Stroke: Different, yet Similar

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Gender disparities in acute ischemic stroke presentation, severity, etiology, and outcomes are increasingly recognized.
• This study investigates gender-specific differences in ischemic stroke etiology and outcomes within South India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze gender-related differences in the causes and outcomes of acute ischemic stroke.
• To compare stroke severity and functional outcomes between men and women in South India.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 742 patients with first-ever ischemic stroke within 1 week of onset.
• Assessment of stroke severity using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).
• Classification of stroke subtypes and 3-month functional outcomes using modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

Main Results:

• Women (33.7%) experienced more severe strokes (mean NIHSS 9.5 vs. 8.4, p=0.03).
• Large artery atherosclerosis was more prevalent in men (21.3%), while rheumatic heart disease-related cardioembolic strokes were more common in women (27.2%).
• Men showed a trend towards better 3-month functional outcomes (68.6% vs. 61.2%), though not statistically significant after adjustments.

Conclusions:

• Stroke presentation and outcomes exhibit gender-specific variations in South India.
• Despite differences, guideline-based treatments may lead to comparable short-term functional outcomes.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate gender's role in stroke management and long-term prognosis.