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TV ads could improve stroke recognition
Healthcare Strategist Trend Watch, June 8, 2007
TV advertisements that teach the warning signs of a stroke may be credited with saving lives, according to a study published by the American Heart Association. From 2003 to 2005, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario ran two ad campaigns, with the help of Canadian government funds. The ads ran during prime-time hours and encouraged people who experience the five stroke symptoms-sudden weakness, trouble speaking, visual disturbances, severe headache or dizziness-to call 911.
After the ads were launched, staff at Ontario stroke centers reported a spike in emergency visits for stroke symptoms. In 2006, after the ads had been off the air for five months, the trend was reversed.
The campaign cost $1.8 million for every year that it ran, a cost that was significantly lower than the $800 million that strokes costs Canada annually, says Corinne Hodgson, a lead study author.
Those suffering an ischemic stroke-the most common variety-can be treated with clot-dissolving medication administered within three hours of the first stroke symptoms. Hodgson said if more stroke victims get to the hospital within that window, the survivor's quality of life will be improved and healthcare costs reduced.
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