- Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death, and a leading cause of disability in Canada.
- Stroke costs the Ontario economy approximately $1 billion per year.
- The Heart and Stroke Foundation estimates that 15,000, to 20,000 strokes take place per year in Ontario, with more than 90,000 Ontarians living with the effects of stroke.
- The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has committed $30 million annually to improve stroke care in the province.
- The Ministry has partnered with Ontario hospitals to create a regionalized system known as the Ontario Stroke system. With this in place, Ontario is now considered to be a leader nationally and globally in stroke care.
- Barrie falls into the Central East Region in this system, which encompasses an area as far north as Muskoka and Haliburton, as far east as Campbellford and Cobourg, south the Ajax, Markham, and west to Collingwood.
The Five Warning Signs of Stroke:
1) Weakness: Sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm or leg, even if temporary.
2) Trouble speaking: Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding or sudden confusion, even if temporary.
3) Vision problems: Sudden trouble with vision, even if temporary.
4) Headaches: Sudden severe and unusual headaches.
5) Dizziness: Sudden loss of balance, especially with any of the other signs.
What to do:
If you see someone having these symptoms, call 911.
When the paramedics arrive, tell them why you think the person is having a stroke. Confirm for them the time the person was last seen well.
They will assess the person against the Acute Stroke Protocol inclusion criteria.
Give paramedics the name and telephone number of the closest family member. They may be needed to give consent for treatment.
What happens next?
If paramedics determine the patient meets the inclusion criteria, the person will be transported to the closest most appropriate acute care facility (Stroke Centre – RVH) where a specially trained stroke team will complete an assessment regarding thrombolytic therapy (rt-PA). This drug is used to dissolve blood clots.
Stroke thrombolysis (rt-PA) can only be given up to three hours from the onset of the first symptoms. The stroke team at the hospital needs about one hour to assess the patient. This usually includes a CT scan.
Do not delay transport, as the earlier the person receives treatment, the better the outcome.
For more information, contact the Enhanced District Stroke Centre at RVH at 728-9090 ext. 46300, or visit www.heartandstroke.on.ca.
- Information courtesy Central East Stroke Network.
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