Urges To Spot The Signs Of Mini-Strokes Sooner
Under HALF of us in Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire would seek urgent medical help if we thought we were having a mini stroke.
Only around 2 in every 5 people in Yorkshire and Northern Lincs would recognise the warning signs of a mini stroke.
That's according to the latest figures from Public Health England - who say minor blood clots in the brain can often lead to full-on strokes and even death.
Under half of people would seek urgent medical help if the experienced early warnings signs of a stroke too, despite 64 per cent of people regarding a stroke as the condition they’d be most concerned about being diagnosed with, after cancer.
Experts say we should watch out for a drooping face, inability to keep both arms up, and difficulty speaking.
Yorkshire woman Pauline Leason lost the use of her hand after suffering a stroke when she was in her fifties:
“I was sitting there in the evening and my face went numb all down one side, so I rang 111 and they advised me to go straight to the hospital. They did various tests and checked my blood pressure, then sent me home. A year later I had a major strike which affected all my left hand side.”
“It just carries on. I’m still the same now. I can move my arm, but I can’t do anything with my fingers at all. I can’t hold things, I can’t do my hair, I can’t paint my nails, you know all vanity, but I can’t do things like that. I can’t butter a slice of toast, it’s very frustrating.”
“It has been publicised a lot, and I’m sure people do realise, but if you get something, don’t ignore it. Get it checked out straight away. If you can prevent a major strike, take my advice and do it. Because it’s not pleasant.”
Experts now want us to be more aware of mini-strokes to prevent future complications. Public Health England says its 'Act FAST' campaign has already prevented thousands of strokes since it began in 2009.