Aust lags behind Europe in stroke treatment

New research shows that Australia is lagging behind Europe in access to stroke treatment.

A report published in the Internal Medicine Journal found that only 19% of acute public hospitals in Australia provided access to a dedicated stroke care unit in 2004, compared to 70% in Sweden, 60% in Norway, 36% in Britain and 30% in Germany.

Stroke is Australia’s second biggest killer and a leading cause of disability. Only one in four patients can get stroke unit care in Australia, but 1,600 instances of death and severe disability a year could be avoided if more patients were treated in stroke units.
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Anyone seeing the signs of stroke in themselves or someone else should get immediate medical attention even if the signs only last for a short period.

The signs of stroke may occur alone or together and include:
· Weakness, numbness or paralysis in the face, arm or legs
· Difficulty speaking or understanding
· Dizziness, loss of balance or unexplained fall
· Loss of vision, sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes
· Headache – usually severe and abrupt or a change in the pattern of headaches
· Difficulty swallowing

For further information visit www.strokefoundation.com.au