Stroke campaign 'saved 4,000 from serious disability'

A campaign to publicise stroke symptoms saved 4,000 people from long-term disabilities, according to Public Health England.

The Act Fast campaign highlighted the fact that problems with speech and weakness in the face and arms should prompt a call to 999.

But PHE says 10,000 more strokes could be prevented each year if mini-strokes were spotted and treated in time.

A new campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the symptoms.

A mini-stroke, also known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), is caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off because of a blockage in a blood vessel or a bleed in the brain.

Mini-strokes have similar symptoms to strokes, but last for a shorter time.

Like strokes, if they are not treated immediately - ideally within three hours - there is a danger that one in five who experiences a mini-stroke will go on to have a full stroke within a few days.

Signs and symptoms

As a result of the previous campaign, which was launched in 2009, PHE said an extra 38,600 people reached hospital within this window and received the immediate medical treatment they needed.

This helped their chances of recovery and meant fewer people were left disabled by a stroke.

However, according to new research, only 45% of people would call 999 if they experienced symptoms of a mini-stroke.

The new campaign, which runs until March on TV, radio and online, urges people to act if they notice any of the following symptoms, even if they do not last for long:

• 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? If they notice any of these symptoms it is...

• Time - time to call 999 if you see any single one of these signs

Additional symptoms of stroke and mini-stroke can include:

• Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body

• Sudden memory loss or confusion

• Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall, especially with any of the other symptoms

This year's campaign will also target African and Caribbean and South Asian communities, because research shows they are at increased risk of stroke.

Nikki Hill, from the Stroke Association, said too many people dismissed the early warning signs of stroke.

"Stroke is a medical emergency and getting the right treatment fast can save lives.

"Through this latest campaign we hope as many people as possible know how to act Fast and help reduce the devastating impact a stroke can have."