April 30, 1998
Stroke is Brain Attack. Know the symptoms. Call 911.
A recent poll conducted for the University of Washington (UW) Stroke Center at Harborview reveals that:
- Nearly half of people polled in King County last month could not name the organ of the body affected by stroke.
- More than 25 percent did not know to call 911 in case of a stroke.
- No single symptom of stroke was recognized by more than one-third of those polled.
Clearly, knowledge about the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability is not as high as it could be.
“Historically, this may have to do with a fatalistic attitude,” says Dr. Kyra Becker, UW assistant professor of neurology and co-director of the Stroke Center. “But now, for the first time, there is a proven therapy that can vastly improve the outcome after stroke and other potentially useful therapies are being investigated. These drugs/therapies, however, only work if they are administered soon after the onset of a stroke.”
Becker and co-director Dr. David Newell, UW associate professor of neurological surgery, and their colleagues will embark on an ambitious campaign this month to educate the people of King County about stroke. Dozens of public stroke screenings will be conducted, informational flyers will be available in area pharmacies, and radio, television and newspaper messages will be seen beginning in May. Harborview is partnering with the American Heart Association and Regence Blue Shield for the campaign.
In the fall, another poll will be conducted to re-evaluate the public’s awareness of stroke.
“We are trying to increase public knowledge about stroke because it can save lives,” Becker explains. “Stroke doesn’t have to be devastating — in some cases it will not even leave a trace — if people know the symptoms and seek prompt medical attention. The message is: Stroke is brain attack. Know the symptoms. Call 911.”
