NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is reminding the public to act quickly when they believe someone is having a stroke.
Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI), Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, and Royal Alexandra Hospital all offer a specialist thrombolysis service.
If this treatment is carried out within the first few hours of stroke symptoms starting, it can limit the damage from strokes.
The earlier you receive the treatment, the better. The best results come when the medication is given in the first few hours after stroke.
Thrombolysis is used for the treatment of ischaemic strokes – those caused by blood clots – which account for approximately 85% of all cases. It’s a type of medication which dissolves blood clots and restores blood flow to the brain.
Professor Terry Quinn, Stroke Consultant at GRI, said: “Any delay can result in a substantial loss of brain tissue and functional abilities.
“The delivery of thrombolysis treatment within the first few hours of symptoms starting can ensure blood flow to the brain is restored quickly, reducing the risk of disability and other lasting effects in stroke survivors.
“Studies have shown that for every 15-minute delay in administering thrombolysis, there is a corresponding loss of approximately one month of healthy life, primarily due to increased time for rehabilitation.
“If you suspect a stroke, it is vital that you or the person you are concerned about get to hospital as quickly as possible.”
Professor Quinn and Nicola Tomlinson, Hyperacute Stroke Specialist Nurse, recently featured in an NHSGGC campaign video to promote the FAST test. Symptoms in the FAST test identify most strokes and the acronym stands for Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, and Time to call 999.
- Face – Has the person’s face fallen on one side? Has their eye or mouth drooped, and are they able to smile?
- Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
- Speech – Is their speech slurred or garbled? The person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake and they may have problems understanding what you’re saying to them.
- Time – It’s time to dial 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.
Occasionally, a stroke can cause different symptoms, which might include problems with balance and coordination, a sudden and very severe headache, and a loss of feeling in one side of the body. However, there can be other causes for these symptoms.
Professor Quinn added: “If you think someone is having a stroke, acting quickly could greatly improve their outcome and recovery, and could even save their life.” For more information about strokes, please visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/brain-nerves-and-spinal-cord/stroke/.
