DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog

A recent survey conducted in 13 states and the District of Columbia has indicated that most people lack awareness of the 5 most common stroke symptoms.  According to researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that lack of awareness could lead to critical delays in life-saving treatment.  Prompt treatment following the onset of a stroke is critical in saving brain tissue and improving functional outcomes for survivors.

Approximately 72,000 people participated in this most recent survey, in which participants were asked whether a given symptom is or is not a symptom of stroke. The five stroke symptoms included in the list were:

• sudden confusion or trouble speaking
• sudden numbness or weakness of the face, an arm, or a leg, especially on one side
• sudden trouble seeing
• sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance
• severe headache with no known cause

Slightly fewer than 44% correctly identified all five stroke symptoms.  Awareness of individual symptoms ranged from approximately 60% for severe headache with no known cause, to almost 93% for sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side.  To make sure participants were not just answering "yes" to all questions, they were also asked whether a non-stroke symptom -- sudden chest pain or discomfort -- was a stroke symptom.  Roughly 60% correctly identified the condition as not being a stroke symptom.

Each respondent was also asked if they would call 9-1-1 if they thought someone was having a stroke or heart attack.  Nearly 86% said that they would, but only 38% of participants were both aware of all stroke symptoms and would also dial 9-1-1 to report a stroke.

Previously on the DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:

• Evidence that male heart disease risk begins in the teen years
• New compression-only CPR guidelines from the American Heart Association
• A recent study linking preeclampsia to increased heart disease risk

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