Stroke Foundation is urging Aussies, including those in Hume and Whittlesea, to think ‘Arms in April’ in a bid to raise awareness of the least known common sign of stroke.
The month-long campaign encourages Australians to learn that inability to lift both arms is a sign of stroke, along with the other common signs; facial droop, and slurred speech.
It comes after new data from the foundation’s most recent F.A.S.T. National Awareness Survey found that only 10 per cent of Australians are aware of the common stroke sign compared to facial droop (39 per cent) and slurred speech (58 per cent).
Stroke Foundation chief executive Dr Lisa Murphy said this is a major concern.
“When it comes to a stroke, time is critical and can be the difference between life and death or a good recovery and long term disability,” she said.
“If there’s a delay in getting emergency treatment because the stroke wasn’t identified fast enough due to not knowing that inability to lift both
arms is a sign, then that’s a major concern and we need Australians to join us in our charge to change that.”
According to National Stroke Audit data, close to 57 per cent of Australian stroke patients present to hospital with arm deficit but every year it remains the most unrecognised sign.
“A significant proportion of stroke patients are arriving to hospital with this indicator of stroke so it’s concerning that the majority of Australians don’t know it’s a sign,”she said.
“We’re asking Aussies to think ‘A’ for arms and equip themselves with the life-saving knowledge of recognising this key stroke sign.”
