Background: Many differences between men and women are seen in the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, severity and outcome of stroke. Aim: To assess sex differences in clinical presentation, severity and outcome of stroke. Subjects: This prospective cohort study included 70 stroke patients (34 males and 35 females with age ranged from 30 to 90 years) during a period (from April 2017 to Septembre 2017). Written informed consent was obtained from all patients or written assent from a relative. Methods: All patients were assessed according to detailed medical history and complete general and neurological examination. Glascow Coma Scale was used to assess level of consciousness. Evaluation of stroke severity was assessed by using National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used for assessing the extent of disability. Laboratory investigations included full routine laboratory investigations at admission and radiological investigations included brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Twelve-Leads electrocardiogram was done to all patients. Results: There was highly significant difference regarding smoking, men were more smokers. There was significant difference regarding presence of atrial fibrillation (AF), females had more AF. There was significant difference regarding obesity as females were more obese. Women had more severe strokes and worse functional outcome. We found significant difference between males and females regarding stroke severity using NIHSS and stroke outcome using mRS. Females had more severe strokes and worse outcome. Conclusion: Sex is one of the fundamental factors regarding stroke severity and outcome.
Key Words: stroke, sex, NIHSS, mRS