title: What is stroke symptom knowledge?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  No commonly agreed definition exists for 'stroke symptom knowledge' among members of the general public. Recalling at least one correct stroke symptom has been used in the past. However, this criterion was not associated with rapid presentation to hospital. Rapid presentation is vital in order to provide effective acute stroke treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to identify a base level of community stroke symptom knowledge associated with stroke recognition when symptoms occur, an immediate ambulance call, and 'stroke recognition and immediately calling an ambulance' as a single sequence of events.
  
  
  METHODS
  For six-months in 2004-2005, we identified all patients with stroke living in a defined region of Melbourne and who were transported by ambulance to one of the three hospitals. The person who called the ambulance (caller) was interviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred ninety-eight patients were identified and 150 callers interviewed. Symptoms reported most frequently were limb weakness (67%), speech problems (57%), and facial weakness (24%). Reporting at least two of the symptoms - facial weakness, limb weakness, or speech problems (62% of callers) - was associated with stroke recognition (P = 0·004), immediately calling an ambulance (P = 0·065), and both 'stroke recognition and immediately calling an ambulance' (P = 0·053).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Knowing at least two of the symptoms - facial weakness, limb weakness, and speech problems - appears to be an appropriate indicator of stroke symptom knowledge as it is associated with stroke recognition and appropriate action. Recognizing stroke symptoms and immediately calling an ambulance increase the potential to reduce prehospital time delays and improve eligibility of acute stroke patients for rapid treatment.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mosley
authors.forename: Marcus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nicol
authors.forename: Geoffrey
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Donnan
authors.forename: Amanda G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Thrift
authors.forename: Helen M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Dewey
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: public awareness; response to symptoms; stroke recognition; stroke symptoms