Stroke is Ireland’s third leading cause of death – how to act fast and what to look out for

Every year, more than 6,000 people in Ireland suffer from a stroke

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.

Remember FAST

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:

Face: Check if one side of the person’s face has drooped or appears uneven. Ask them to smile - if one side doesn’t move, this could be a sign of a stroke.
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Stroke often causes weakness or numbness in one arm, making it difficult to lift or keep it raised.
Speech: Listen for slurred or difficult-to-understand speech. The person may also struggle to find words or may not respond to simple questions.
Time: Time is of the essence. If you notice any of these symptoms, call 112 or 999 immediately. Getting emergency medical help as soon as possible is crucial for improving outcomes.

Additional 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:

Complete paralysis on one side of the body
Sudden loss or blurring of vision
Severe dizziness or unsteadiness
Confusion or difficulty understanding speech
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
An intense, unusual headache with sudden onset
Loss of consciousness

While these symptoms might have other causes, they should not be ignored, especially if they appear suddenly or in combination.

What to Do if someone has a stroke

Act Fast: Dial 112 or 999 immediately. Inform the emergency operator that you suspect a stroke. Quick action is critical; early intervention with medications like clot-dissolving drugs or thrombectomy procedures can significantly reduce brain damage and improve the chances of recovery.
Stay Calm: Try to keep the person calm and reassure them that help is on the way. Avoid giving food, drink, or medication unless advised by medical professionals.
Observe and Record: Take note of the symptoms and the time they first appeared. This information can help medical staff provide more effective treatment, as certain therapies work best within specific timeframes after symptoms begin.

Enhanced Support and Resources

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.

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