Stryker highlights importance of recognizing stroke signs for World Stroke Day

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Rueil-Malmaison, France, October 29, 2017 – In honor of World Stroke Day, Stryker reminds the public about the importance of recognizing the signs of stroke. During a stroke, 1.9 million neurons are lost every minute, making the identification of warning signs essential to receiving timely treatment.

Stroke can strike anyone, anytime. Acting FAST saves lives

Stroke is the second leading cause of death, and the leading cause of long-term disability worldwide – 17 million people suffer a stroke each year and 6.5 million die as a consequence. A stroke can happen at any age, with one in six people experiencing a stroke during his/her lifetime.

Although no one can predict when a stroke might happen, there are some common signs that may indicate someone is having a stroke. These signs are known as “FAST,” or Face, Arms, Speech, Time. Face refers to the facial droop on one side, or uneven smile that may occur. Arm refers to the fact that when raised, the arms may appear uneven – the person may not be able to keep both arms raised at equal height. With Speech, the person’s speech may sound slurred, or the person may have difficulty making sense or understanding commands. If a person exhibits any of these signs, it’s Time to call emergency services.

Spreading the word

Started by the World Stroke Organization (WSO), World Stroke Day is an annual event aimed at raising awareness about the prevention and treatment of stroke within the community. In support of this mission, Stryker hopes to see the signs of a stroke become unmistakable everywhere, and is spreading the word via their “Some signs save lives” campaign.

To learn more about stroke and to help spread the word about the warning signs, visit the “Some signs save lives” site at www.somesignssavelives.com. This site is available in eight languages including English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Mandarin and Japanese.

About Stryker

Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies, offering innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine. Stryker’s Neurovascular division is focused on advancing the practice of less invasive stroke therapies through its Complete Stroke Care solutions. The business is dedicated to providing innovative stroke products and services for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, and committed to providing clinical education and support to help physicians deliver better patient outcomes.

Media contact:
Keri Laden
[email protected]
+1 510 413 2534

Fowzia Dao
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