Most strokes occur suddenly and can have devastating consequences. Stroke is the leading cause of functional disability in the United States and the third leading cause of death. Although strokes occur in men more than women, women are more likely to die from stroke, which is the second-leading cause of death in American women. In spite of these unsettling statistics, there is good news.
Strokes are among the most preventable neurological disease.
Learning the risk factors and avoiding them is the best way to prevent stroke. There are several risk factors for stroke among the general population. There are several other considerations that have been identified as potential risk factors for stroke among women. Strokes often strike women at a much younger age than men, when they are in their 40's or 50's. And women with a history of migraine headaches, oral contraceptive use or frequent miscarriages have a higher likelihood of stroke.