Patients don't recognise symptoms of stroke
10 May 2002
Australians understand the risk factors for stroke but may not readily identify symptoms, leading to delays in seeking care.
Interviews with 35 people who had had a stroke, carers and non-stroke sufferers, revealed confusion about the variety of symptoms (British Medical Journal 2002; 324: 1065).
Those who had never had a stroke said they would lie down and take a couple of paracetamol if they experienced symptoms such as numbness, tingling and weakness or paralysis of one side of the body.
However, they reported that difficulties in speaking would be perceived as needing urgent medical attention.
Many people who had a stroke said they had waited for their symptoms to abate, some confusing them with those of migraine, food poisoning and Menière's disease.
Last Reviewed: 10 May 2002
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 10/5/02
