When it comes to strokes, time is not just of the essence—it's the difference between life and death, recovery and disability. The National Health Service (NHS) has issued an urgent warning that too many stroke patients are dying or suffering life-long disabilities because of delayed medical attention. It's a stark reminder that recognising the early signs of a stroke and acting swiftly can save lives and improve recovery outcomes.

The 'Act FAST' campaign, which stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services, has been a cornerstone of stroke awareness since 2009. However, recent NHS England updates emphasise the urgency of calling for an ambulance at the very first sign of these symptoms. But what many don't realise is that there are other, less obvious signs of a stroke that are just as critical to recognise.

The National Health Service also reminded everyone about the more subtle signs of stroke. Image Credit: Pexels/Anastasia Shuraeva

Strokes occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, affecting around 100,000 people each year in the UK alone. The classic symptoms—facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties—are well-known, but other signs such as sudden numbness on one side of the body, sudden vertigo, and difficulty swallowing often fly under the radar. These symptoms can be subtle, but they are no less dangerous.

The NHS's recent campaign highlights the importance of acting immediately if anyone experiences any of these symptoms. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director at NHS England, stresses that quick action can 'help save and protect many more lives.' However, the urgency of this message is underscored by the current state of ambulance response times, which have been falling short of the 18-minute target.

The latest figures show an average response time of over 36 minutes for emergency calls, including those for heart attacks and strokes. This delay is concerning because stroke victims may lose around 2 million brain cells per minute, and any delay contributes to greater harm and hampers recovery.

Shockingly, the average time between the first stroke symptom and a 999 call being made was 88 minutes in 2023/24. This delay is compounded by a lack of public awareness; new NHS polling found that 57% of adults in England believe you should have two or three symptoms of a stroke before calling 999, despite just one being a sign of a medical emergency.

The Stroke Association echoes the urgency of the NHS campaign. Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association, emphasises that 'time is brain,' and acting FAST is vital for stroke survival and recovery. Surviving a stroke is just the beginning of a long and often traumatic journey back to life, affecting individuals of all ages and their loved ones.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, it's crucial to be aware of these signs and to educate friends and family. Strokes do not discriminate by age, and while the risk increases as we get older, they can happen to anyone at any time. Knowing the full range of stroke symptoms and understanding the critical nature of immediate medical intervention can make all the difference.

So, what should you do if you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms? Call 999 immediately. Don't wait for multiple symptoms to appear, and don't second-guess your instincts. Every second counts, and your prompt action could be the reason someone survives and thrives after a stroke.

Key Takeaways

• NHS England has launched a major update to the 'Act FAST' stroke awareness campaign, stressing the urgency of calling for an ambulance at the first sign of stroke symptoms.
• Common symptoms referred to by the acronym FAST include facial drooping, inability to raise both arms, and slurred speech, with timely response being crucial for treatment success.
• The update aims to raise awareness of additional, less dramatic signs of stroke such as sudden numbness, vertigo, and difficulty swallowing, which many people miss.
• Prompt treatment is essential as stroke victims can lose about 2 million brain cells per minute, and recent data shows that people typically wait 88 minutes before calling for emergency assistance.

We invite you to share this life-saving information with your community and discuss your experiences or concerns in the comments below. Have you or someone you know been affected by a stroke? How has awareness of the signs and symptoms made a difference in your life? Your story could encourage others to act fast and save lives.

 

[Gaena]

After collapsing just outside our back door a few years ago and being unable to pick myself up off of the floor, I lay there for a few hours ,my brain kept telling me to getup however my body was not listening, my husband arrived home early from work luckily and after picking me up off the floor drove me directly to the local hospital. the verdict from the doctors was that I had suffered a TIA I had never heard of that before but I was sent home a few hours later after a raft of tests with the doctors confirming a TIA probably caused by acute stress. It was very scary and although not a classical "Stroke"there was some brain damage suffered which still affects me now. Any time someone suddenly collapses out of the blue is a reason to attend the local ED to get checked out, brain damage can be caused if attention is not paid in a short period of time.