FOLLOWING a dip in reported strokes, Public Health England have issued new warnings and advice.

The latest data shows that hospital admissions for stroke fell by 13 per-cent in the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic between March and July 2020. 

Stroke related deaths in the South West are higher than the national average of 54.5, with a rate of 56.7 per 100,000.

Between 2017 and 2019 there were 3,690 stroke related deaths in the South West. 

Luisa Mellish, Dorset HealthCare’s service manager for Adult Community Stroke and Neuro Services, said:“We are pleased to see the re-launch of the F.A.S.T campaign, as it’s important for the public to be aware of the first signs of a stroke and that it’s seen as a medical emergency.

"The FAST acronym is a simple way to help people identify stroke symptoms, but it is really important to be aware of the other signs of stroke and that they should be taken seriously.

“The effects of a stroke can be devastating and recovery can be long, so getting support at the earliest opportunity will increase the chances of survival and recovery.

"Our local stroke services aim to help people adjust to the life changes associated with a stroke and help them to regain their independence where possible.”

READ MORE: Covid: what it's like inside Royal Bournemouth Hospital

What is a stroke? 

A stroke is a medical emergency and anyone experiencing symptoms should seek urgent help.

Stroke is a time sensitive condition which means that any hesitancy and delay in getting treatment kills brain cells and has sadly and unnecessarily proven to be fatal in the early phase of the pandemic.

Around 1.9 million nerve cells in the brain are lost every minute that a stroke is left untreated, which can result in slurred speech and paralysis. If left untreated, a stroke can result in permanent disability or death.

Early treatment not only saves lives but results in a greater chance of a better recovery, as well as a likely reduction in permanent disability from stroke.

Bournemouth Echo:

The Royal Bournemouth Hospital Emergency Department

First signs of a stroke: Act F.A.S.T

Public Health England, supported by the Stroke Association, has relaunched the Act F.A.S.T. campaign reminding people of the symptoms of stroke and why urgently calling 999 is vital in saving lives.

Think and act F.A.S.T., the signs of stroke are:

  • Face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
  • Arms – can they raise both their arms and keep them there?
  • Speech – is their speech slurred?
  • Time – time to call 999/are they having speech difficulties?

Dr Peter Wilson, medical director, specialised commissioning for NHS England and NHS Improvement South West said:“It is vitally important to recognise the symptoms and signs of when someone is having a Stroke so that the NHS can treat you.

“Please remember that the NHS is here to see you safely, with measures in place to protect you from Covid-19. Our hospitals are safe to attend and our emergency services have the necessary precautions in place to keep you safe.” 

Bournemouth Echo:

Stroke is the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK (PA)

There are around 100,000 strokes a year in the UK - at least one stroke every five minutes sadly causing about 34,000 deaths per year.

Stroke is the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK and the single largest cause of complex disability.

Some other signs of stroke or mini stroke can include:  

  • Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes
  • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body (including in your leg)
  • Sudden memory loss or confusion
  • Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall, especially with any of the other signs

For information on stroke go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke