Worrying levels of stroke knowledge demonstrated across the country

Women have more knowledge of stroke than men says The Stroke Association. The claim comes on the eve of a nationwide poster campaign to alert people about how to diagnose the symptoms of stroke.

The Stroke Association has found that just over half of people are unable to identify what a stroke is, despite it being the UK’s third biggest killer and the leading cause of adult disability. Yet if stroke is treated as a medical emergency, around 25% of stroke patients are more likely to survive.

This underlines worryingly low levels of knowledge about stroke and its symptoms across the regions, and demonstrates a low level of public awareness on identifying symptoms and what to do in the event of a stroke.

However, women seemed to know more about strokes than men, with 51% of women being able to identify that a stroke is a clot or bleed in the brain, in comparison to 46% of men. Similarly, people living in the north and in London were far less knowledgeable about what a stroke is in comparison to their counterparts.

Symptoms of a stroke can easily be identified using FAST - if someone has Facial weakness, Arm weakness or Speech problems. People living in Wales (52%) and the North East (53%) were most able to correctly identify the symptoms of a stroke. Those in the South West (34%) and London (30%) trailed behind.

This week, posters will appear at bus stops up and down the country to help people identify the symptoms of stroke through a simple test - FAST.

FAST requires an assessment of three specific symptoms of stroke.

Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Test all three symptoms

If the person has failed any one of these tests, you must act FAST and call 999.

Despite the importance of being able to recognise the signs of a stroke and calling 999, 42% of people asked did not realise that death from stroke can be reduced through emergency treatment, as can disability, which was only recognised by 48% of people asked. Similarly 25% of people did not realise the impact that specialist treatment can have.

Stroke can affect any one at any age, yet young people aged between 15 - 24 were least likely to understand what a stroke is. However, a stroke is more likely to occur in those over 65, with three quarters of all strokes occurring in this age group. However, those people questioned in the 55+ age group had less understanding of what a stroke is than those in the 45-54 age group. The 55+ age group also demonstrated a lower knowledge of stroke symptoms in comparison.

Joe Korner is Director of Communications at The Stroke Association.

"Stroke is a medical emergency and it is vital that people understand and can use the FAST test to identify the symptoms of a stroke and call 999 immediately.

"Access to a brain scan within 3 hours of a stroke is crucial to determine the type of stroke that someone has to ensure the right treatment is given.

"If someone is scanned and admitted directly into a stroke unit and receives specialist care from a co-ordinated team, they are more likely to survive (by around 25%), make a better recovery and spend less time in hospital (by 6 days).

"Levels of public awareness about stroke must also be increased to ensure that stroke is treated as a medical emergency and that all stroke survivors have access to the best possible diagnostic treatment and care."
ENDS

For further information please contact the Media Team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 1500 or email the Press Office

Notes to editor

1. The Stroke Association has funded research into the FAST test developed by Professor Gary Ford which shoes how to identify a suspected stroke and call 999.

2. A poster and leaflet are being produced which aim to increase awareness of FAST. The leaflet also includes a wallet-sized card that can be detached and stored.

3. The Stroke Association is the only national charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. The charity funds research into prevention, treatment, better methods of rehabilitation and helps stroke patients and their families directly through its community services which include dysphasia support, family support, information services, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. The Stroke Association also campaigns, educates and informs to increase knowledge of stroke at all levels of society acting as a voice for everyone affected by stroke.

4. A stroke is a brain equivalent of a heart attack. A stroke can be diagnosed by using FAST - Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Test all three. If these symptoms are present call an ambulance straight away.

5. The Stroke Helpline provides information on stroke to the general public and is open between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday on 0845 3033 100.

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