Phillip wants advice on signs of stroke extended
A STROKE survivor from the Cynon Valley has called on the Welsh Government to update advice about the methods of detecting the serious lifethreatening condition.
Phillip Easton has launched a campaign based on his own health experiences to extend the current recognition of strokes known as the “FAST” principle – standing for Facial drooping, Arm weakness and Speech difficulties, meaning it is Time to call the emergency services.
But in Mr Easton’s view, some people who are affected by strokes do not display these symptoms, leading to delays in diagnosis and accessing treatment which can have serious long-term health consequences.
Mr Easton has launched a campaign to change the advice to BEFAST, adding recognition of warning signs in someone’s balance and eyes.
He said the update would help save lives, explaining: “I suffered a sudden and intense bout of vertigo in early December 2015. I was in bed for three whole days and was unable to move to eat, drink or anything else.
“Had I known this could have been a stroke I would have called an ambulance immediately.
“After two further bouts I was finally referred to ENT for vertigo as my symptoms weren’t going away as hoped. In late January 2017 I was finally allowed an MRI for lingering ear pain and was checked for infection. As a consequence, evidence of a stroke was found, more than 15 months after my first symptoms.
“This affected not only my long term health, but also in the shorter term my ability to earn my own livelihood.”
Mr Easton submitted a petition in support of the change to the Welsh Assembly’s petitions committee.
Vikki Howells AM met with Mr Easton and committee chair Mike Hedges AM to discuss progress of the petition.
Ms Howells said: “Many of us are familiar with the idea of detecting strokes through the warning signs referred to under the wellpublicised FAST principle.
“This does not go far enough, and some people who have life-threatening strokes may not get the help they need.
“Focusing on Balance and Eyes, and changing FAST to BEFAST, could help make sure this does not happen.
“I applaud Mr Easton for the way in which he has drawn on his own experiences of suffering from several unrecognised warning signs before his stroke to raise awareness of this issue, and push for a change in public health messages and advice to professionals.”
Mr Easton formally submitted his petition on June 7 and it is now closed for signatures and awaiting its first consideration by the petitions committee.