At one time, stroke was not regarded as a medical emergency, because there was no treatment that could limit the ‘ripple’ of damage that spreads throughout the brain when a clot occurs, depriving the brain of oxygen. Now, however, we have thrombolytic or clot busting drugs, which can be injected and so limit damage and ensuing disability. But these drugs are most effective if given promptly so recognition of stroke symptoms is crucial.

Ambulance staff are often first on the scene when someone is suspected of having a stroke. The UK Stroke Association is now funding research by the London Ambulance Service which will help improve the accuracy with which paramedics diagnose a stroke. Crews in East London and trialling the ROSIER TEST (Recognition of Stroke in the Emergency Room). This builds on the basics of the FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) test and adds a few more stroke-related questions. Already 154 crews have received the training and the study will have the potential to get people who’ve had a stroke to vital treatment that much sooner.

In another study, the Stroke Association is looking at the impact of depression in stroke survivors. We already know that one third of stroke survivors suffers from depression. But this project will look at whether pre-existing depression makes stroke more likely and whether survivor depression has an impact upon survival and quality of life. The study will also look at the type and quality of care those with post-stroke depression receive. The researchers, at University College and King’s College London, will look at the famous Whitehall study, which has been running since 1985 and covers around 10,000 people with the goal of looking at how socio-economic factors influence health. They will also look at the South London Stroke Register which has details of all who have had a stroke in this area. Dr Eric Brunner who leads the new project says ‘We hope to find practical support strategies, considering both the drugs that may be prescribed and, more holistically, different living situations of people on the register.

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Stroke News Spring 2010 Volume 28.1