27 November 2014
Media release
For immediate release
26 November 2014
Poor understanding of stroke signs causes concern in New Zealand
Latest figures show a lack of awareness and understanding in New Zealand of stroke signs, which will have a significant impact on stroke survivors having the best chance of recovery.
Mark Vivian, CEO of the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand, said recent research into stroke awareness in the Waikato alone has shown alarming results.
Last month the Stroke Foundation conducted a survey of 352 Waikato residents over 45 years of age to gauge their understanding of the symptoms of stroke. Only one in five could correctly identify three typical signs of a stroke, said Mr Vivian.
These figures are incredibly concerning because if we cant recognise a stroke from the onset, that causes a delay in getting to medical intervention and treatment, which can have tragic consequences, including further brain damage or death, he explained.
Current statistics from the Ministry of Health show about 9,000 New Zealanders have a stroke every year. Tragically 2,500 of those people die, making stroke the third largest killer in New Zealand after heart disease and cancer.
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Poor understanding of stroke signs causes concern