Patients' awareness of stroke signs, symptoms, and risk factors

Rashmi Kothari, Laura Sauerbeck, Edward Jauch, Joseph Broderick, Thomas Brott, Jane Khoury, Tiepu Liu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

278 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background and Purpose: We sought to determine knowl-edge at tire time of symptom onset regarding the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of stroke in patients presenting to the emergency department with potential stroke. Methods: Patients admitted from the emergency department with possible stroke were identified prospectively. A standardized, structured interview with open-ended questions was per-formed within 48 hours of symptom onset to assess patients' knowledge base concerning stroke signs, symptoms, and risk factors. Results: Of the 174 eligible patients, 163 patients were able to respond to the interview questions. Of these 163 patients, 39% (63) did not know a single sign or symptom of stroke. Unilateral weakness (26%) and numbness (22%) were the most frequently noted symptoms. Patients aged ≤65 years were less likely to know a sign or symptom of stroke than those aged <65 years (percentage not knowing a single sign or symptom, 47% versus 28%, P=.016). Similarly, 43% of patients did not know a single risk factor for stroke. The elderly were less likely to know a risk factor than their younger counterparts. Conclusions: Almost 40% of patients admitted with a pos-sible stroke did not know the signs, symptoms, or risk factor of a stroke. Further public education is needed to increase awareness of the warning signs and risk factors of stroke.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1871-1875
Number of pages5
JournalStroke
Volume28
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1997

Keywords

  • Health education
  • Risk factors
  • Stroke, acute

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Advanced and Specialized Nursing

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