PUBLIC Health England and the Stroke Association have urged black people of African and Caribbean origin in the UK to act quickly if they spot signs of stroke as it is a silent killer that is devastating the community.

Issuing the warning to mark World Stroke Day today, both organisations revealed that one person loses 2m nerve cells every minute that they do not receive medical treatment during a stroke and if left untreated, a stroke could result in permanent disability or death. In England, 110,000 strokes occur each year making the ailment the fourth largest cause of death in the country.

In addition, stroke is the largest cause of disability in the UK, with 85% of people requiring physiotherapy after a stroke. This latest campaign involves urging the public to call 999 if they notice any of stroke symptoms in others or experience them themselves.

Among the signs are facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems. Nerve cells are the core components of the brain, spinal cord and central nervous system and the more that are lost, the greater the chance of slurred speech, paralysis and permanent disability.

Research from the Stroke Association reveals that over half of all survivors have a disability and more than a third are left dependent on others for everyday activities. When it comes to rehabilitation, 85% of stroke survivors require physiotherapy, 80% need occupational therapy and 47% need speech and language therapy. 

It added that the faster patients receive immediate medical treatment, the better the recovery. Since the Act Fast campaign was launched in 2009, an additional 41,382 people have got to hospital within the vital three-hour window, meaning that those affected by stroke receive the immediate medical treatment required.

Actress Diane Parish and campaign supporter, said: “Thanks to the Stroke Association, I have had an amazing insight into the impact that a stroke can have on the survivor and their families. Black people are twice as likely to have a stroke compared to white people therefore it’s vital that we all know the signs of stroke, so that we can think and act fast."

Dr Ann Hoskins, the director of children, young people and families with Public Health England, added: “Every minute really does count when it comes to stroke and delaying treatment can have serious consequences. We are urging everyone to stay alert to the signs of stroke and to seek immediate medical attention if they notice any of the symptoms in others.

Jon Barrick, the chief executive at the Stroke Association said: “Acting fast can help reduce the devastating impact a stroke can have and we know that sadly, far too many people dismiss the early warning signs of stroke and delay calling 999. It’s easy to ignore these signs as a funny turn but stroke is a medical emergency and getting the right treatment fast can save lives and reduce the devastation that stroke can bring.

“You are more likely to survive a stroke and make a better recovery, if your symptoms are spotted and you get treated in a stroke unit as quickly as possible. We need to act fast because time lost is brain lost.”

Across England, the Act Fast campaign will run nationally from 19 October to 15 November. The campaign will consist of TV and video on-demand advertising, supported by digital search.