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Early action key to stroke treatment
National Stroke Week, 15 – 21 September
Stroke is the second leading cause of death in Australia and a common cause of disability, with 630 people dying from stroke in the Hunter New England area and more than 2,200 hospitalised each year.
Professor Chris Levi, Director of Acute Stroke Services at John Hunter Hospital and head of the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Stroke Research Group said National Stroke Week is an opportunity to remind the community that time is critical in stroke.
"It is vital that people pay attention to the signs of stroke and seek medical attention immediately by dialling 000 if they experience the warning signs which can include facial weakness, arm weakness, speech difficultly, loss of vision and headache," Professor Levi said.
"Early treatment following a stroke is crucial as damage to the brain after a stroke is time linked - the longer the time between stroke onset and treatment, generally the greater the damage."
The importance of early treatment has been supported by several national clinical trials being undertaken by the HMRI Stroke Research Group, which is regarded as the state leader in stroke research and one of the top centres nationally.
The clinical trials have involved evaluating clot busting (thrombolysis) stroke treatments which can reduce a patient’s level of disability when administered immediately after a stroke.
"Hunter patients have been among the first to benefit from this research, with a large proportion of the trial participants coming from John Hunter Hospital," said Professor Levi.
"The 20 per cent rate of thrombolytic therapy achieved in the Hunter is better than the international best practice benchmarks. We are setting the standard for the care of acute stroke patients nationally and internationally.
"As well as improving the lives of patients by reducing disability, this research is also generating health cost savings by reducing the time spent in hospital and the amount of rehabilitation needed."
Hunter New England Health is holding a number of activities during National Stroke Week to educate the community about stroke and its prevention.
From 11am to 1pm each day from Monday 15 September to Friday 19 September, Hunter New England Health staff and volunteers from Stroke and Disability Information (Hunter) will hold a stall in the foyer of the Royal Newcastle Centre. Community members are invited to have their blood pressure tested and learn more about stroke prevention and treatment.
Media opportunity
– Monday 15 September, 11am – 12 noon. Where: Royal Newcastle Centre FoyerPhoto opportunities: Hunter New England Health stroke research nurses conducting blood pressure testing and measuring blood flow to the brain using a Dopler machine. Interview opportunities: Professor Chris Levi and two stoke survivors will be available for interview.
Contact: Sharna McCarthy
Phone: 4921 4501 or 0414 883 074
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