Warning 240 Brits will have a stroke this Christmas Day - and key signs to look out for
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Families have been warned to be aware if an older relative may be suffering a stroke over Christmas. At a time of over indulgence the Stroke Association says around 240 people will have one this Christmas Day and experts say many families may not realise it. Research shows more strokes occur over winter and NHS data released last week showed ambulance callout waits are more than double the pre-pandemic target of 18 minutes.
November’s average response time for category 2 ambulance calls, which includes stroke, was 42 minutes and 26 seconds - the longest so far this year. Juliet Bouverie, chief executive at the Stroke Association, said: “The signs of stroke can be mistaken for other things, especially when everyone is in the festive spirit. However, stroke must always be treated as a medical emergency. Anyone with concerns should call 999 immediately if they, or a loved one, experiences any one of the symptoms of stroke, which can be subtle. These are facial drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulties – as outlined in the FAST test.
“Speedy treatment of stroke is crucial as 1.9 million brain cells die every minute that a stroke is left untreated, increasing the risk of serious long-term disability and even death. Prompt medical treatment is therefore critical and, despite pressures on NHS services, calling an ambulance is the most efficient way to get treatment.”.
