Facts about Strokes

A recent report by the Stroke Association has given a misleading impression about the rates of strokes (especially to those of working age) due to the report writers not having checked all recent statistics.

The published report only counted the number of people turning up at hospital with a stroke, which is indeed rising. But this is happening because we are getting better at spotting strokes, not because more people are having strokes. Ten years ago, you might have put your father's face going droopy as having a 'funny turn' whereas today many more people recognise it as a stroke. More people are also being admitted with 'mini strokes'. Treatment has also changed from the advice to take an aspirin and some bed rest, to more appropriate medication.

The UK's two major stroke registers (in London and Oxford) have been showing a drop in strokes. Yes, we are as a nation getting fatter and more sedentary, but we are also smoking less, eating less salt, and taking blood pressure and cholesterol lowering pills.

Think F.A.S.T. and Act F.A.S.T. If you see any of these signs, call 999.

• Face: Ask the person to smile. Does the face look uneven?
• Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift down?
• Speech: Does their speech sound strange? Ask them to repeat a phrase.
• Telephone: Brain cells die every second. Call 999

Strokes are caused by a sudden lack of oxygen to the brain. They are a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, and frequently cause paralysis, slurred speech and confusion.

Dr Stuart Farrimond, Wiltshire Times 29 May 2015