Strokes occur when the blood to the brain is interrupted, either because of a clot in one of the vessels (‘ischaemic stroke’) or because of a burst vessel within the brain (‘haemorrhagic stroke’). They are experienced by roughly 150,000 people each year in the UK and about a third of those people die from the stroke, because of insufficient oxygen reaching the brain. Those who do not die are often left with significant disabilities.
Stroke charities and the NHS have done a good job of using awareness campaigns to help people to spot the signs of stroke early enough for them to get help quickly. The ‘Get Help FAST’ slogan has been used, with FAST being an acronym for ‘Face’ (a weakness in their facial muscles, drooping of the eye or mouth and inability to smile may warn of an impending stroke) ‘Arm’ (weakness in the arm or inability to raise one or both arms) ‘Speech’ (slurred speech) and ‘Time’ (if the other symptoms are present, it’s time to dial 999).
Now, though, researchers in the UK have identified two other signs that can indicate that a person is suffering or is about to suffer a stroke, and they are trying to raise awareness that these other signs should be added to the FAST ones. The researchers, based at the University Hospital in Leicester, say that leg weakness and loss of vision can be warning signs of a stroke and should be acted upon immediately.
Professor Ross Naylor of the University said, “The FAST campaign was very successful, but it’s important that people know leg weakness and loss of vision are also signs to look out for.
“It’s my fear are that many people may not be aware that anyone experiencing one or both of these additional signs, on their own or with one of the already recognised symptoms may be an indicator that they or a loved one is having a stroke and should also seek urgent medical advice.
“It’s really important that people are aware of all five of the signs and they shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that they must be having all five of them at the same time to be experiencing a stroke.
“You might be having a stroke and only suffering one of the five symptoms, however it’s more likely that you will experience one or two signs at the same time. Whilst the public appear aware of FAST and the three symptoms it highlights, we’ll be working to raise awareness with the public, health professionals and health services locally and nationally to make sure that those people showing any of these five signs get the medical assistance they need promptly.”