Stroke concern rising amid Covid-19 crisis, warns top charity

Concerns are mounting that people across the UK who have a stroke or TIA/mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack) are not calling 999 amid the coronavirus pandemic.

With stroke striking every five minutes, the Stroke Association fears that thousands of people could be at risk of severe disability, or even stroke-related death, if they don’t Act FAST on stroke symptoms.

Dr Deb Lowe, NHS National Clinical Director, said: “We’re beginning to see some quite striking reductions in the number of people coming into hospital with the symptoms of stroke.

"It appears that people aren’t seeking emergency help or going to hospital when they suspect a stroke, possibly due to fear of the virus or not wanting to be a burden on the NHS.

“Stroke is a medical emergency and it’s essential that you call 999 straight away if you suspect you or someone around you is having a stroke.

"Our hospitals are equipped and ready to treat stroke patients.

"Given the emergency changes being made across the NHS, it’s possible that a patient’s treatment or journey might be a bit different while we put measures in place to deal with coronavirus safely. 

"But these are to keep patients and NHS workers safe and the most important thing to remember is to dial 999 if you suspect a stroke.”  

Latest figures from Public Health England showed attendance to Emergency Departments in England has dropped by over a third (34.5%) on the same week last year, from 136,669 to 89,584.

Latest figures from Public Health Scotland report attendance to emergency departments has dropped by over a third (40.1%) on the same week last year.

While figures for emergency admissions aren’t available yet, the charity and senior stroke professional expect similar declines.

In 2019, there were almost 90,000 strokes in England alone.

Meanwhile, almost 21,000 patients were admitted to hospital with a TIA/mini-stroke.

The charity warns that any delay in getting help will jeopardise your ability to rebuild your life after stroke. 

The UK’s leading stroke charity is highlighting the world-famous stroke acronym, FAST, urging the public to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of a stroke: Face, Arms, Speech and Time (to call an ambulance) – Act FAST. 

The signs of a TIA/mini-stroke are the same as a stroke, but only last up to 24 hours. 

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