World Stroke Day – 29 October 2024
This World Stroke Day, NHS Ayrshire & Arran is highlighting the importance of quick access to treatment. ‘Time is brain’ aims to remind people across Ayrshire and Arran to access urgent help if they have any symptoms of stroke.
Christine Somerville, Stroke Unit Senior Charge Nurse, explains: “Stroke often happens with no warning. The longer a person is left untreated, the more damage is done to the brain”.
“In order to save lives and improve outcomes the team message is ‘Time is brain’ Stroke is a medical emergency and the quicker the patient gets treatment, the greater their chance of an improved outcome.”
Up until March 2024, thrombolysis, also known as clot buster medication, was the main treatment option for ischemic stroke, and needed to be given within four and a half hours of onset of symptoms.
In March 2024, the Interventional Neuroradiology Suite was opened at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, providing a phased implementation of thrombectomy service for people throughout the West of Scotland.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran patients who are eligible for thrombectomy are transferred to Glasgow for treatment, and then return to Ayrshire for any ongoing investigation, treatment and rehabilitation.
Dr Martin Whitehead, Stroke Consultant, adds: “Thrombectomy, or clot retrieval, is a procedure that removes the clot from the brain by inserting a device into the patient’s artery. This procedure allows reperfusion, the restoration of blood flow, and aims to prevent brain cell death.
“The procedure has a longer time window than thrombolysis after symptom onset and is more effective in treating clots that are in large blood vessels. Thrombectomy gives approximately a 45 per cent chance of regaining independence.
“However, the quicker thrombectomy is performed the better the chance of good outcome. Time is brain!”
To date ten patients from Ayrshire and Arran have received thrombectomy – the highest number in the West of Scotland. With more positive outcomes, those patients receiving thrombectomy are more likely to return to independence, return to work and live life to the full.
Christine Somerville adds: “Thrombectomy is not only life-changing, but also life-saving. We often see patients following a major stroke who are perhaps unable to speak or swallow and are paralysed. To then see those same patients walk out the hospital independently and with full function is amazing.
“But time is brain’, The quicker the patient can get treatment, the better their outcome. If you suspect someone has had a stroke, be FAST, seek help immediately and call 999.”
Be FAST:
- Face – Can they smile? Does one side droop?
- Arms – Can they lift both arms? Is one weak?
- Speech – Is their speech slurred or muddled?
- Time – Time to call 999
Some people may also experience sudden loss of balance or coordination, or a sudden change or loss of vision.