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National Stroke Week 13-19 September 2010

During National Stroke Week we will promote the FAST campaign to help people recognise the early warning signs of stroke and we need your help. Would you like to share your story or hold an event and help the people in your community save a life? Find out more

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 involves asking three simple questions:

Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms – Can they lift both arms?
Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 now!

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 ( Friday, 19 March 2010 )

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