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News

National Stroke Foundation Submission to 2020 Summit

The National Stroke Foundation has provided a submission to the  Australia 2020 Summit on the need for changes in systems, thinking and attitudes to stroke for the future of Australian Health Care. Click here to read the full submission.

 

Look closer initiative

A study by an international coalition of stroke, heart and diabetes organisations - of which the National Stroke Foundation is a member - found that there is a lack of patient education about the underlying process for cardiovascular disease and a patient’s overall risk.

The Look Closer initiative aims to raise awareness of blood clots – the leading cause of stroke and heart attacks - and find a simple way of explaining the disease process and risk factors for stroke and heart attack.

For more information visit the Look Closer website 

 

First State Office to open in Tassie

Tasmanian stroke survivors can expect improved stroke services across the State with the opening of the National Stroke Foundation’s Tasmanian office.

The National Stroke Foundation will be taking on some of the stroke services that had previously been provided by the Brain Foundation, while aiming to build on this work with the roll out of a targeted, focussed strategy for stroke in the State.

Click here to download the media release

Statements

National Stroke Foundation response to emails

The National Stroke Foundation has been made aware of various emails being sent around describing how to recognise a stroke and treat someone who is having a stroke.

One of the emails advocates the use of S.T.R (smile, talk and raise both arms) as a way to recognise a stroke and mentions that there is a treatment that can totally reverse the effects of a stroke. Another discusses a treatment for stroke that includes pricking a stroke patient’s ears and fingers with a pin or needle until they bleed.

The National Stroke Foundation recommends the FAST test as the best way to recognise the signs of stroke and urges anyone who sees the signs of stroke in themselves or someone else to call 000 immediately.

The FAST test is an easy way for everyone to recognise the signs of stroke, it stands for:
Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
Speech difficulty - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
Time to act fast – call 000 immediately

If the person has any difficulties with any of actions in the test, call 000 immediately.

There are some treatments that can be given within a three hour time window. They may not totally reverse the effects of a stroke, but can improve chances of survival and recovery, that is why it is important to get treatment fast.

The National Stroke Foundation does not recommend pricking a patient’s ears or fingers as a treatment for stroke.
Last Updated ( Monday, 14 April 2008 )
 
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