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29th October 2024
02:30pm GMT
These figures make stroke the country’s third leading cause of death and the leading cause of acquired neurological disability among adults.
On World Stroke Day, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced new funding under Budget 2025 to support the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) National Stroke Strategy.
This funding, amounting to €5 million by 2026, will expand hospital Stroke Units, provide additional staffing, and enhance Early Supported Discharge (ESD) teams.
These measures aim to improve post-stroke care and provide home-based rehabilitation, helping survivors regain independence and freeing up critical hospital resources.
While significant strides have been made in stroke treatment, the most crucial factor for improving stroke survival and minimising long-term damage is early recognition of symptoms and immediate action.
Stroke awareness is so important to make sure that anyone affected receives the rapid treatment that can make all the difference.
Here’s how to recognise the warning signs of a stroke and act swiftly to help save a life.
Strokes can present a range of symptoms that vary depending on which part of the brain is affected.
Recognising these symptoms quickly is essential because the sooner treatment begins, the greater the chances of survival and recovery.
The FAST acronym is a simple and effective tool to remember when spotting stroke symptoms:
While the FAST symptoms are the most common indicators of a stroke, other signs can appear depending on the severity and location of the stroke.
Knowing these additional symptoms can also be crucial, especially if someone is in a high-risk group, such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or advanced age.
Additional signs may include:
While these symptoms might have other causes, they should not be ignored, especially if they appear suddenly or in combination.
With the new funding for the HSE’s National Stroke Strategy, additional stroke specialists, rehabilitation staff, and the Irish Heart Foundation’s Stroke Connect Service aim to create a more comprehensive support system for stroke survivors.
These initiatives not only improve hospital-based treatment but also enhance available aftercare, providing people with the support they need to adapt to life post-stroke and regain independence.
On this World Stroke Day, the HSE is urging us all to commit to learning the signs of stroke, acting quickly, and helping raise awareness.
Early recognition and rapid action can make all the difference.