Unique Characteristics of Stroke in Women and Rehabilitation Considerations

Talya K Fleming1, Sara Jean Cuccurullo1, Hayk Petrosyan1

  • 1JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 65 James Street, Edison, NJ, USA.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death of women in the United States, and women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke than men. Studies show that women live longer but with poorer functional outcomes and higher rates of disability compared with men. Sex-specific disparities exist between clinical symptoms, medical evaluation, and management after stroke. Stroke rehabilitation strategies specific to women should take into consideration both physiologic and psychosocial demands more common in women to improve functional outcomes. Additional resources for education, clinical research, and implementation of best practices are needed to eliminate gender-related disparities in poststroke care.

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