Here’s how to spot the first signs of a stroke
The acronym used to recognise the signs of stroke
- Around 240 people in the UK experience the effects of a stroke daily, with the number rising among younger adults, underscoring the critical need for prompt recognition and treatment.
- A stroke, often termed a 'brain attack', occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die; it can be ischaemic (due to a clot) or haemorrhagic (due to a burst blood vessel).
- The 'Be Fast' acronym (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time) is crucial for identifying common stroke symptoms, though some individuals, particularly women, may present with less typical signs like fatigue or confusion.
- Rapid medical intervention is vital as “time is brain”; advancements such as telemedicine, mobile stroke units, and the GoodSAM app are enhancing the speed of diagnosis and treatment.
- Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIAs), or “mini strokes”, involve a brief interruption of blood supply and are a medical emergency, serving as a significant warning sign for a potential major stroke.