National stroke awareness campaign launched

It features a simple test that will appear in campaign adverts on television, radio, online and in print.

The FAST test - Face, Arm, Speech, Time to call 999 - is used by paramedics to assess three specific symptoms of stroke prior to a person being admitted to hospital.

Image: Stroke Association 'FAST' leaflet

People with any one of the symptoms - facial or arm weakness or speech problems - should be treated as an emergency.

Swift action can limit damage

The campaign adverts will show stroke 'spreading like fire in the brain' to illustrate that swift emergency action can limit damage and dramatically increase a person's chances of surviving and of avoiding long-term disability.

Ministers say the campaign will lead to cost savings in the NHS.

Stroke, a loss of brain function due to a clot or bleed in the brain, is the third leading cause of death and the single largest cause of adult disability in England.

Improving public awareness of the signs of stroke is a key element of the government's National Stroke Strategy, published in December 2007.

Think FAST to identify signs of stroke

Professor Roger Boyle, national drector for heart disease and stroke, said: 'The faster a stroke patient receives emergency treatment, the better their chances are of surviving and minimising long-term disability.'

Jon Barrick, chief executive of The Stroke Association, said the campaign was 'vital'. 'The Stroke Association has been promoting FAST since 2005. We know that it's the best way for people to remember how to recognise the signs of stroke and call 999 straight away. The awareness campaign will give this work a fantastic boost and could help reduce avoidable deaths resulting from stroke.'

Wales campaign ‘weighs up’ stroke risk

An advertising campaign has been launched across Wales urging people to lead healthier lifestyles to help reduce their risk of stroke. The radio adverts highlight that maintaining a healthy body weight could decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing risk of a stroke by a third.