Stroke Week 2010
National Stroke Week will be held from 13-19 September and aims to raise awareness of stroke and the early warning signs, using the FAST test (Face, Arms, Speech and Time to act FAST!).
When dealing with a stroke, time is of the essence; if you notice that your friend or loved ones face or mouth has drooped, if they can’t lift both arms and if their speech is slurred, it is imperative to call for assistance immediately.
Updated guidelines on the treatment of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) have been released by the National Stroke Foundation.
The clinical guidelines provide a series of evidence-based recommendations to promote improved treatment for stroke and TIA.
For more information, visit http://www.strokefoundation.com.au
Improving stroke management
The National Health and Medical Research Council has released a stroke care package designed to improve care for people presenting to the emergency department with acute stroke and TIA.
Stroke is Australia’s second single greatest killer after coronary heart disease and is a leading cause of disability.
There are approximately 60,000 new and recurrent strokes in Australia each year: one stroke every 10 minutes. This number will increase as the population ages.
According to the National Stroke Foundation, one in five people having a first-ever stroke die within one month and one in three die within a year.
Effective treatment in the emergency department can reduce disabilities and improve long term patient outcomes.
