November 2008 Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource Highlights 10 Symptoms Not To Ignore, Knee Replacements and Nonprescription Weight-...( ROCHESTER Minn. Nov. 5 -- Here a...),Health

ROCHESTER, Minn., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Here are highlights from the November issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. You may cite this publication as often as you wish. Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource attribution is required. Reprinting is allowed for a fee. Include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Visit http://www.bookstore.mayoclinic.com or call toll-free for subscription information, 1-800-876-8633, extension 9751.

Not every ache and pain merits a quick trip to the doctor -- but some do. The November issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource outlines 10 symptoms that should never be ignored.

1. Trouble seeing, speaking or moving

Numbness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, and blurred or decreased vision are classic signs of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), a ministroke that sometimes lasts only minutes. More atypical symptoms are fainting, shortness of breath or sudden feelings of facial pain, tiredness or a racing heart. Women may have the traditional stroke symptoms less often than men but also may be more likely than men to experience atypical symptoms first.

For any stroke symptoms, immediate emergency medical care is needed. Quick treatment for stroke can reduce the risk of brain damage or other complications.

2. A sudden excruciating headache

A headache that comes on like a thunderclap, with severe, excruciating pain could be caused by an aneurysm, bleeding in the brain, stroke, blood vessel inflammation, meningitis or a brain tumor. All require immediate medical attention. In addition, a headache that follows a head injury or is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, rash, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness or speaking difficulties is reason to seek care.

3. Unexplained weight loss

Losing weight without trying can be cause fo
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