Most Americans aren't clear on stroke warning signs and proper action to take

Get Smart

Missed it by that much.

May, that is.

May was Stroke Awareness Month, and a new survey reveals that awareness needs to be raised.

Take the test

In 2004, more than half of all stroke-related deaths in the U.S. occurred outside of hospitals.

That daunting factoid is included in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that analyzed the results of the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. Nearly 72,000 people in 13 states and the District of Columbia answered this series of six questions:

1) Do you think sudden confusion or trouble speaking are symptoms of stroke?
2) Do you think sudden chest pain or discomfort is a symptom of stroke?
3) Do you think sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side, are symptoms of stroke?
4) Do you think sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes is a symptom of stroke?
5) Do you think sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance are symptoms of stroke?
6) Do you think a severe headache with no known cause is a symptom of stroke?

Did you spot the symptom that doesn’t belong on that list?

Sudden chest pain or discomfort is a symptom of a heart attack but not a stroke. About 40 percent of survey respondents chose that symptom as a stroke symptom.

Everything after

Knowing stroke symptoms is important. But just as important is knowing how to respond.

The CDC report notes that treatment for an acute ischemic stroke needs to begin within three hours of the onset of symptoms for optimal benefits. In the case of hemorrhagic stroke, immediate surgery is necessary to prevent the rebleeding that causes impairment or death.

Part two of the CDC survey asked respondents to pick one from this list of actions that should be taken immediately when stroke symptoms are identified:

1) Take the stroke victim to the hospital
2) Advise the stroke victim to call a doctor
3) Call 911
4) Call a spouse or family member
5) Do something else

The proper action, of course, is 3) Call 911.

Just slightly more than 16 percent of all respondents knew the five stroke symptoms, knew that chest pain was not a stroke symptom, and knew that calling 911 immediately was the best course of action.

The CDC has set a goal to increase that 16 percent to more than 80 percent over the next three years. You can help by sharing this e-Alert with everyone you know who may be at high or moderate stroke risk. Primary risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, or vascular disease. People over the age of 65 are considered to be at moderate risk of stroke, and at high risk over the age of 75.

In the e-Alert “Stroke Risk Yardstick” (1/31/08) you can find out more about strokes, along with information about the two nutrients that are essential to lowering stroke risk.

And proper nutrition is also a key consideration in recovery. Find out which mineral plays an important role in the successful recuperation from a stroke in the e-Alert “Recovery Mode” (1/10/05).

Sources:
“Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Questionnaire” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005, cdc.gov
“Awareness of Stroke Warning Symptoms — 13 States and the District of Columbia, 2005” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Vol. 57, No. 18, 5/9/08, cdc.gov