Knowing all the signs of stroke could save a life

Strokes claim the lives of around 1,000 people in Northern Ireland every year. It is the third most common cause of death and the greatest cause of adult disability, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people of the a range of signs and symptoms of stroke.

Dr Brid Farrell, Assistant Director of Service Development at the PHA, said: “Stroke is an attack on the brain. It happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off and brain cells are damaged or die. 

“If the worst happens and someone has a stroke, knowing the signs and symptoms and acting FAST can improve the chances of survival and reduce the level of disability that results from a stroke.”

The PHA’s FAST campaign raises public awareness of the main signs and symptoms of stroke, and highlights actions to take if you think someone is having one, in an easy to remember way:

Face – Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
Speech – Is their speech slurred?
Time – Time to call 999 if you see any single one of these signs.

Dr Farrell continued: “However, there are other signs and symptoms of stroke, and it is important that these are remembered too as warning signs.”

These include:

• Problems with balance and co-ordination
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight
• Severe headache

“A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention, so recognising any sign of stroke and calling 999 for an ambulance is crucial. The sooner somebody who is having a stroke gets urgent medical attention, the better their chances of a good recovery.”

For more info visit www.pha.site/nhs-stroke, www.stroke.org.uk or www.pha.site/nichs-stroke 

Ends