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Neurological Rehabilitation

Gender Differences Among Stroke Survivors – Results of an Online Survey in the US

Friday, October 24, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM MT
Location: Kiosk 8
Disclosure(s):
Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD: No relevant disclosure to display
Emilie Pain, Other: No relevant disclosure to display
Background and/or Objectives: Stroke survivors face long-term disabilities affecting quality of life (QoL). This observational survey gathered real-world evidence on post-stroke spasticity (PSS), focusing on the relative experience of PSS by female versus male patients.

Design: Data were collected in the US via Carenity, an online patient community, between July and November 2023. Participants were adults with a first stroke with hemiparesis within < 12 months or their caregivers. Survey questionnaires had 4 parts: screener; sociodemographic and medical profile; patient journey with stroke and PSS; and impact of stroke on patients’ QoL.

Setting : Retrospective cohort

Participants : Post-stroke adults with hemiparesis < 12 months

Interventions: NA

Main Outcome Measures: Stroke-Specific Quality of Life

Results: Participants (n=160; females: 45%, median age 51 years; males: 55%, median age 46 years) were comprised of 81% patients (females, 43%; males, 57%) and 19% caregivers (females, 53%; males, 47%). The most commonly reported comorbidity was cardiovascular disease irrespective of gender; however, the second most reported comorbidity was depression in female participants (41%) versus metabolic disease in male participants (41%). Female participants reported half the median number of strokes (1.0) versus male participants (2.0). While male patients mainly experienced muscle pain (59%) and stiffness/rigidity (56%), female patients mainly reported difficulties moving legs (67%) and arms/hands (58%). Physical or occupational therapy was the most reported PSS therapy in both male patients (92%) and female patients (88%). However, 58% of female patients versus 30% of male patients never received muscle injections, and 77% of female patients versus 48% of male patients never received intrathecal baclofen. Fewer female patients (61%) than male patients (72%) were involved in their first treatment choice and fewer requested a treatment from a healthcare provider (14% vs. 40%).

Conclusions: These findings highlight some differences between female and male stroke survivors’ experience of stroke, its complications, and their PSS management.