50/50 chance of Stroke recognition: research
Stroke victims only have a 50/50 chance at best of having their stroke recognised by those nearby, according to the latest Stroke Foundation/Colmar Brunton research released this week.
The research asked New Zealanders aged 15 and over how they would recognise a stroke, and what they would do in response. Less than half of the respondents clearly identified a major symptom, while four of every five people interviewed did realise stroke is a medical emergency. People 30 or under - along with Pacific Islanders and Chinese - were less likely to diagnose correctly.
According to Stroke NZ CEO, Mark Vivian, the findings were both heartening and challenging: “It is an established medical fact that clear recognition of Stroke symptoms enables early intervention to save lives and improve outcomes. So it’s wonderful that many New Zealanders recognise stroke is a medical emergency. But the problem comes in recognising the stroke in the first place!
“If you have a stroke,” said Mr Vivian, “the very least you would be hoping for would be quick recognition of your symptoms by someone nearby. Delayed recognition is delayed medical response. Delayed response can have tragic consequences.”
Stroke is a major public health issue. Despite being New Zealand’s second single biggest killer and the leading cause of adult disability, stroke is still not well understood in the community nor funded by the government.
“It’s important everyone understands stroke and can recognise stroke symptoms,” Mr Vivian said. “Medical research is unanimous that a delay in diagnosis and treatment can hugely impact on future prospects for the stroke patient.”
Medical intervention within three hours can significantly improve stroke outcomes – reducing risk of death and improving levels of rehabilitation. “People need to get the stroke patient to hospital as quickly as possible. Any delay can significantly increase the possibility of death and major disability,” said Mr Vivian.
Mr Vivian believes a nationwide multimedia campaign about stroke is long overdue: “This would clarify for all New Zealanders what a stroke is and what it looks like.” Canadian ongoing research has clearly shown that improvements in recognition of stroke symptoms usually lead to earlier presentation for stroke treatment. This results in significantly improved outcomes for stroke patients, which in turn saves lives as well as reducing ongoing costs to taxpayer and caregivers.
A person may well be having a stroke if they display:
- Facial weakness (eg lop-sided smile?)
- Arm or leg weakness on one side of body.
- Sudden onset of speech problems (eg slurred or unable to speak)
- Loss of half of visual field.
The NZ Stroke/Colmar Brunton research had 1,000 telephone interviews with a random sample of New Zealanders aged 15+.
The maximum margin of error is plus or minus 3.1%.
For further information:
Martin Robinson, Communications Manager, NZ Stroke Foundation.
martin_robinson@stroke.org.nz
mob: 027-212-4200
ph: 04-472-8099
fax: 04-472-7019
Stroke Foundation: “Reducing risks – improving outcomes”. www.stroke.org.nz
Back to Top Click Here for a Printer Friendly Page