The HSE urges Donegal people to think F.A.S.T this World Stroke Day

To mark World Stroke Day today (Thursday, 29 October) HSE West and North West is urging Donegal people to know the signs of stroke and the importance of seeking treatment as soon as symptoms appear. Strokes are a medical emergency, and urgent treatment is essential. Do not wait for the symptoms to resolve, call 999 or 112 for an ambulance immediately.

1 in 4 of us is at risk of stroke in our lifetimes. A stroke is a life-threatening medical condition, where blood supply to part of the brain is cut off by a blockage or a ruptured blood vessel.

A stroke can happen at any time to any person. It is the third leading cause of death in Ireland and the leading cause of acquired adult neurological disability. Over 90,000 people live with the effects of stroke in Ireland, and it is estimated that there will be a 58% increase in incidents of stroke over the next 10 years.

Recognising the signs of stroke and acting quickly makes a significant difference to survival and recovery. The message is simple: the second you suspect a stroke, is the second you call 999 or 112.

An easy way to be aware of the signs of stroke is to remember the established acronym, F.A.S.T:

• Face – Has the face drooped or become weak on one side?
• Arm – Has an arm become suddenly weak or clumsy on one side?
• Speech – Has speech suddenly become slurred or confused in nature?
• Time – Time to act FAST: phone 999 or 112 for an ambulance immediately.

F.A.S.T. is a well-known worldwide acronym, and yet, there is still some hesitancy when calling an ambulance for stroke symptoms. You only need one of these symptoms for it to be a stroke. Currently, fewer than 50% of stroke patients arrive at the hospital within three hours of symptoms starting a critical window for lifesaving and disability-reducing treatments.

Acting quickly is vital in improving the outcomes of stroke. The sooner a person gets treatment, the less damage is likely to happen.

A stroke can happen at any time to anyone, regardless of age. This is why the newly launched HSE Stroke advertisements focus on everyday family moments, such as playing a game of tennis or hosting a children’s birthday party. The steps stay the same; call 999 or 112 and ask for an ambulance as soon as a stroke is suspected.

Dr. Jose Miranda, Consultant Physician in Geriatrics/Stroke at LUH said, “Stroke is a medical emergency and needs to be assessed in hospital urgently. We have access to two treatments that have radically improved survival and recovery from stroke by getting the blood flowing back to the brain: Thrombolysis (clot dissolving) and thrombectomy (clot retrieval by transfer to Beaumont hospital).

“But these treatments are suitable only to some of the cases and require fast arrival to hospital (Thrombolysis only suitable within 4.5 hours of symptoms onset). The sooner we provide this treatment, the more of the brain we can save, reducing disability and even death. Stroke is the third biggest cause of death in Ireland and the biggest cause of acquired disability; stroke causes more deaths than breast, prostate and bowel cancer combined.”

Christine McLaughlin, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Stroke at LUH said, “Stroke destroys 2 million brain cells every minute, so every minute counts. Remember: if you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke phone 999 or 112 immediately ask for an ambulance and say that it may be a stroke.”

For more information, visit www.hse.ie/stroke.