The first sign of a stroke might not seem like much – you could be struggling to smile (Face), you might not be able to raise your arm (Arm) or slurring when you speak (Speech).
Just one symptom could mean a stroke, and it could come on very suddenly. Even if it doesn’t seem like it, any sign of a stroke is always an emergency. But do you have the knowledge you need to detect a possible stroke, and would you know what to do?
NHS England’s latest campaign shines a light on the vital importance of recognising stroke symptoms, urging people to call 999 when they notice any one sign. Strokes are the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK, with 38,000 stroke-related deaths each year. Calling 999 immediately means that a stroke can be diagnosed and treated earlier. However, new data has found that the average time between someone first having symptoms and calling 999 was nearly an hour and a half.
We all need to know the signs of stroke
A stroke can happen to anyone at any age, but people from a Black background, or with existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or sickle cell disease, have an even higher risk. This means that, as a community, we must rally together to empower ourselves with the knowledge – it’s everyone’s business to be able to spot potential stroke symptoms and to act quickly. Whether you may be at risk of having a stroke yourself, or are in a position to help someone else, we can all potentially save lives if we know what to look for.
Well-known medic, Dr Amos Ogunkoya, is fronting a new short video for the campaign, asking members of the community whether they think they would be able to recognise some of the first signs of a stroke.
Dr Amos believes that bringing the community together, ensuring that everyone can spot the symptoms and knows what to do, is a very important step:
“In the UK, someone has a stroke every five minutes. Within our community we have a greater risk of stroke, at a younger age, so we all need to be aware of the symptoms and know to call 999 at just one sign. The first sign of a stroke might not seem like much, but timing is everything – getting quick specialist medical assistance can be lifesaving and reduce long-term disability. The first sign could be that someone is unable to raise an arm, struggling to smile or slurring when they speak – any one of these should be treated as an emergency, and calling 999 is always the first action to take.”
Stories from our community
At the age of 50, Patrick Pryce was in the middle of delivering a sermon at his church when his speech suddenly became slurred. He found that he couldn’t move his arm and began leaning on the lectern as he was finding it hard to stand. Luckily, Patrick’s wife and others in the congregation quickly recognised the symptoms of a stroke and called 999.
“I did think that it could be a mild stroke while I was experiencing these symptoms. I knew a woman at church who’d had a series of mini-strokes so I was familiar with the type of symptoms she’d had at the time. I’m very grateful that my wife was able to act so quickly on the signs she saw, as I wouldn’t have been able to call 999 myself.”
Richard Djan-Krofa, Trustee at Different Strokes led a healthy lifestyle – he didn’t smoke or drink and had no history of stroke in the family. Richard’s father called 999 one morning when he could see that Richard was having a stroke.
“I had no idea I was having a stroke, so it goes to show that everyone needs to know more about the signs. If my dad hadn’t been there, I don’t know what might have happened. We all need to get better at spotting the symptoms and knowing that it’s an emergency.”
Support from friends and family enabled Patrick to rebuild his strength and his motivation. He wants his community to better understand and recognise the symptoms of stroke; in themselves and in others.
“I know from my personal experience that a quicker response can lead to better outcomes and recovery. We need to look out for each other. If you think that you or someone you know may be showing just one sign of stroke, call 999 right away. You could save your life, or someone else’s”
Face or arm or speech, at the first sign, it’s time to call 999.
Visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/symptoms/ for more information.
Box-out symptom info for use by media where possible:
Act FAST. Face or Arm or Speech, at the first sign, it’s Time to call 999
Symptoms of stroke can appear suddenly:
-Struggling to smile (Face)
-Not being able to raise your arm (Arms)
-Slurring when you speak (Speech)
Other signs & symptoms can include:
– Weakness or numbness down one side of your body
– Blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes
– Finding it difficult to speak or think of words
– Confusion and memory loss
– Feeling dizzy or falling over
– A severe headache
Watch here: