Imagine a 55-year old Black man begins to experience symptoms of a stroke. Who do you think he is likely to call for help in this serious emergency?According to newly published research*, this gentleman is NOT likely to call 911 first. He is much more likely to call a friend or family member instead. A Black woman is also more likely to call a friend or family member.
In this startling study, a shocking 75% of African Americans hospitalized for a stroke had called a friend or a family member first. Most of those thought their symptoms were not serious or would resolve on their own.
For many years, researchers wondered why African Americans had much worse outcomes in a stroke than White Americans. This study may offer some answers. Time is crucial in the treatment of a stroke. Doctors will often have to give a clot-busting drug within the first few hours. This helps to minimize the long-term damage of the stroke on the brain.
What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when a blood clot blocks the blood supply to a part of the brain. It can also happen if a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts leading to bleeding. Both of these causes can lead to damage, and even death, to parts of the brain. If a person survives the initial stroke, he or she may face many months or years to recover. Many will not recover fully.
Strokes in the African American community
Strokes hit the African American community pretty hard. Blacks are TWICE as likely as whites to suffer a stroke. They are also more likely to die of the stroke. Do you know what the common symptoms of a stroke are? About 1 in 2 people couldn't identify a single symptom of stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following are common symptoms of a stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
What can we all do?Spread the word!
Please tell your family and friends to call 911 if they experience one or more of these symptoms. Quick access to medical care is very important in stroke treatment.
Heavens forbid there is a stroke but we can call family and friends later if it happens.
Please, CALL 911 first!
Reference article
* Amie W. Hsia, Amanda Castle, Jeffrey J. Wing, Dorothy F. Edwards, Nina C. Brown, Tara M. Higgins, Jasmine L. Wallace, Sara S. Koslosky, M. Chris Gibbons, Brisa N. Sánchez, Ali Fokar, Nawar Shara, Lewis B. Morgenstern, and Chelsea S. Kidwell. Understanding Reasons for Delay in Seeking Acute Stroke Care in an Underserved Urban Population. Stroke, 2011;
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.110.604736
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