Action on Stroke Month - Not Just a Funny Turn

Every year, some 46,000 in Britain suffer a mini-stroke for the first time.  The symptoms are much like a stroke but they last for less than 24 hours.  The risk of going on to have a stroke in the next few days is very high, and symptoms should always be treated as a medical emergency.  Mini-strokes should never be dismissed as being just a "funny turn".  If treated in time 10,000 serious strokes could be avoided.

The FAST test can help identify the signs of a mini-stroke:

FACIAL weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

ARM weakness: Can the person raise both arms?

SPEECH problems: Can they speak clearly and understand what you say?

TIME to call 999

And remember strokes can affect people of any age.

Never dismiss symptoms as being just a 'funny turn'!

To highlight this campaign and to raise awareness of mini-strokes, a host of British comedians have come together to share their favourite jokes to support Action on Stroke Month.

          

The campaign has been launched by the Stroke Association (supported by Legal & General) to raise awareness of mini-strokes, thus preventing people going on to suffer a full stroke, saving lives and saving the NHS £200 million annually.

For more information on mini-strokes and this campaign visit:  www.stroke.org.uk/tia