Physician's Weekly Article - Wanted: More Patient Education on Stroke

       Approximately 70% of stroke patients do not appear to correctly recognize the symptoms when they experience a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke, according to a United Kingdom investigation. About 30% of people who suffered a TIA or minor stroke delayed seeking medical attention for more than 24 hours. Of the patients who had a recurrent stroke within 90 days, 31% did not seek medical attention after their initial event. These patients were more likely to have had a TIA, shorter duration of an event, and a history of TIA, and less likely to have had motor or speech symptoms when compared with patients who sought medical attention for their initial event. The study team noted that the full potential of stroke prevention will not be realized without more effective patient education.

      Source: Stroke, June 1, 2010.