Response to Carotid Endarterectomy report

This is our response to the report published by the Royal College of Surgeons on 22 July 2010 on carotid surgery.

Nikki Hill, Deputy Director of Communications at The Stroke Association, said:

“This audit shows that there is still a long way to go to make sure people get urgent preventative treatment that could prevent a catastrophic stroke. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or a mini stroke is a medical emergency and without treatment about one in four people who have had a TIA will go on to have a full-blown stroke.

Your risk of stroke is highest in the first 48 hours after a TIA and prompt surgery on the carotid artery in the neck could save thousands of people from going on to have a severe stroke. Too few people are getting this surgery, and many people are having it too late to make any difference. The symptoms of a TIA are often regarded as a ‘funny turn’ as they disappear quickly and as such they are often ignored. However, it is fundamental that people recognise the symptoms and seek medical treatment urgently.

The Stroke Association wants to see substantial progress to remove all of the delays in treating TIA. What is needed has already been outlined in the National Stroke Strategy and NICE Guidelines.

A TIA can be identified using FAST:
Facial weakness – has the person’s face drooped, usually down one side
Arm weakness – is the person able to lift both arms above their head
Speech problems – does the person’s speech sound slurred
Time to call 999 – if one or more of these symptoms are present call 999 immediately”

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