A new study has found that healthcare professionals frequently overlook warning signs of strokes in pregnant and postpartum women, with 27% of affected individuals having sought medical attention prior to their strokes. This alarming statistic highlights a significant gap in the recognition of symptoms, particularly among clinicians lacking specialized neurology training.
The research, led by Dr. Eliza Miller, an associate professor of neurology at the University of Pittsburgh, emphasizes the urgency for enhanced education across medical specialties. In a press release, Dr. Miller stated, “Our findings show that early warning signs are often missed, especially by clinicians without neurology training, and that education across specialties is essential.”
In the study, researchers noted that at least 1 in every 12 deaths among pregnant and postpartum women can be attributed to strokes. Among the women who experienced strokes, 84% of those who had consulted healthcare providers prior to their diagnosis were not recognized as having stroke symptoms. Furthermore, 81% of the time, doctors did not order brain imaging scans that could have indicated a heightened risk.
The study revealed that nearly half of the patients who sought help were evaluated by obstetricians, while about one-third were assessed by other specialists. Despite these consultations, the lack of awareness regarding stroke risks during pregnancy and the postpartum period remains a concern.
Dr. Miller’s analysis points to a critical opportunity for improvement in medical training. “This, to us, represents a knowledge gap across specialties and reveals an opportunity to expand clinician education to recognize early signs of maternal stroke,” she remarked.
The findings underscore the importance of healthcare professionals being vigilant about stroke symptoms in women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Increased awareness and training could potentially save lives and improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
As the research community continues to investigate this issue, the emphasis will remain on ensuring that all healthcare providers are equipped with the knowledge to identify and respond to stroke symptoms effectively.
