JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Physicians Outline Distinct Challenges of Rehabilitation for Women with Stroke

Compared to men, women experiencing stroke are more likely to be misdiagnosed, causing critical delays in treatment — partly because women may experience nontraditional symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, confusion, fatigue, and generalized weakness.

In a special issue of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics, JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Physicians note that women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke than men. Gender risks for women that increase stroke risk include pregnancy, oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy and early menopause. Women bear a disproportionate burden of stroke, with a higher lifetime risk of stroke and poorer outcomes after stroke.

“It is imperative to educate stroke survivors, care partners and health care provides about the gender specific differences and implement best practices to address these disparities,” said Talya K. Fleming, M.D., Medical Director of the Stroke Recovery Program and Aftercare Program at JFK Johnson, and principal author of the study.

These and other differences between men and women experiencing stroke are outlined in a special issue of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics. The article, a review of the most up-to-date research, is part of a 14-article collection on issues surrounding women and rehabilitation medicine. The articles, by leaders in their fields, synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to guide physicians.

Sara Cuccurullo M.D., Medical Director of JFK Johnson, is Editor-in-Chief of the project, along with Co- Editors Kristen Harris M.D. and Hayk Petrosyan Ph.D. Most of the more than 40 physicians and scientists who contributed to the issue are JFK Johnson physicians, all experts in their fields.

“As leaders in stroke treatment and research, we see every day how women face distinct issues,” Dr. Cuccurullo said. “We’re proud that we were invited to lead this special issue and provide guidelines for health care providers around the nation and the world treating women receiving medical care and treatment during their rehabilitation.”

Read the full article for guidance on the distinct challenges of women with stroke.