Make May Purple

30th April 2019

NHS Stockport CCG is urging people to back the Make May Purple campaign to turn the spotlight on the risk factors and symptoms of a stroke.

In Stockport around 700 people a year have a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (a mini stroke) and each year around 170 people die as a result of a stroke.

A mini stroke is caused by a temporary disruption of the blood supply to the brain and it causes similar symptoms to a stroke but the effects only last for a few minutes.

It’s difficult to judge how many people have TIAs as many people don’t get medical help because the symptoms disappear quickly.

But even if the symptoms only last minutes, it’s vital you get immediate medical help as a mini stroke is an early warning sign that a full blown stroke may follow.

Up to one in five people suffer a full stroke within a month of the mini one but with medical help the risk of a further TIA or full stroke can be greatly reduced.

There are ways you can massively reduce your risk of having either a stroke or TIA for example by stopping smoking or cutting down on alcohol. Also exercising and eating healthily will really help.

Whilst you’re twice as likely to have a stroke if you’re a smoker, the biggest risk is having untreated high blood pressure. With medication and lifestyle changes you can reduce this risk so get it checked at your practice.

The main signs and symptoms of a stroke or a mini stroke can be identified by remembering the word F.A.S.T :

• Face – the face may have fallen on one side, the person may be unable to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped
• Arms – the person may not be able to raise both their arms and keep them there due to weakness or numbness in their arms
• Speech – the person may have slurred speech
• Time – if any of these signs or symptoms are present, it is time to dial 999 immediately

The Stroke Association runs the annual awareness month, Make May Purple, encouraging all to raise money via their workplace, school, community or club by holding a “purple” day.

It could be a “purple cake” coffee morning or a “wear something purple” day for example, but every penny raised will help the association provide much needed support for stroke survivors.