For World Stroke Day on Oct. 29, the American Stroke Association is looking to spread the message about responding quickly to stroke -- the second leading cause of death worldwide.
Unfortunately, many people delay stroke treatment. In an informal survey on the association’s website, participants mentioned a hope that symptoms would resolve on their own as a reason for treatment delays. Others pointed to an issue of priorities, such as finishing work or meeting with family. Some even expressed an outdated, fatalistic view of the disease.
“As a health care professional and as a stroke survivor myself, I can tell you that getting help quickly for stroke is more important than anything else you may be doing or have planned,” Teri Ackerson, neuroscience program coordinator at Saint Luke’s Health System in Kansas City and American Stroke Association volunteer, said. “Whether you are the one experiencing symptoms or you see them in someone else, remember that stroke won’t wait -- and neither should you.”
The American Stroke Association teaches the acronym FAST as a way to notice common stroke warning signs and know how to respond: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 9-1-1.
