Assessing awareness of appropriate responses to symptoms of stroke.

OBJECTIVE

The study explored (1) the level of awareness, and associates of greater awareness, of the appropriate action to take in response to stroke symptoms; and (2) actions taken in response to potential stroke symptoms, among general practice patients.

METHODS

Patients attending general practice clinics in New South Wales, Australia completed a paper and pencil survey.

RESULTS

308 participants returned the survey. 76% indicated they would call an ambulance within 10min for 'difficulty speaking or understanding others, with blurred vision (in one eye), and face, arm or leg weakness or numbness (on one side of the body)'. Having a first degree relative with a history of stroke was significantly associated with greater awareness of the appropriate action to take in response to stroke symptoms. Of those reporting they had experienced 'dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall' 80% did not call an ambulance at the time of experiencing this symptom.

CONCLUSION

There appears to be high awareness of the appropriate response to take for stroke symptoms among this sample, however this does not translate into actions when individuals experience a potential stroke symptom.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Education campaigns should be targeted towards individuals without a family history of stroke.