Stroke Awarness Poor Among Patients

Time is a major factor in treating stroke. But despite the multi-million dollar awareness campaign initiated by the American Stroke Association, the word is not getting out. Research presented at the American College of Emergency Physicians found that only one in three people who were having a stroke knew they were having one. A research study was conducted at an emergency room to determine the factors which delay presentation of stroke patients to the emergency department. Nearly 220 stroke patients were surveyed to determine the reason for the delay to seek medical attention. More than half of all patients delayed going to the ER. Nearly sixty percent of the patients were not aware that their symptoms were those of stroke. The most commonly cited reasons for the delay were the belief that symptoms would resolve by themselves, waiting for a ride to the hospital or trying to reach their primary care physician. Of the patients with past history of stroke, only one in five knew about the availability of thrombolytic therapy- a clot-busting treatment- and the importance of receiving it urgently. Overall, the study shows that people need to be more aware of symptoms of stroke. In addition, it is imperative that those with stroke seek immediate medical attention at the ER as medical treatment can dramatically affect overall outcome.