New blood test could quickly diagnose severe strokes

A new 15-minute test could greatly improve the way strokes are diagnosed and treated. This test is currently being used by ambulance crews in Cambridgeshire to quickly identify a severe type of stroke called large vessel occlusion (LVO). Early results show it may be twice as effective as using only patient symptoms for diagnosis. This test works similarly to COVID-19 lateral flow tests. It uses a simple finger prick to assess whether a patient has had an LVO, where a blood clot blocks a major brain artery. Such blockages can lead to speech and movement problems and long recovery times. Research suggests that even a 15-minute quicker diagnosis can significantly reduce long-term disabilities in stroke patients. Every 15 minutes saved from the onset of a stroke to treatment can decrease disability by nearly 4% and increase the chance of independence for patients. Stroke emergencies need immediate hospital attention. A blocked blood flow to the brain can severely impact large areas, leading to high risks of death and disability. Currently, only 24 hospitals in the UK can perform specific procedures to remove clots, with some patients facing travel times of around three hours to reach these facilities. Delays can result in irreversible brain damage. Larissa Prothero, a research paramedic, said that identifying LVO strokes early can help fast-track patients to hospitals where they can receive the necessary care. Dr. Xand van Tulleken, a medical expert, emphasized the importance of the "FAST" method for recognizing stroke signs: Face weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, and Time to call 999. Other symptoms of a stroke include weakness or numbness on one side of the body, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, confusion, dizziness, severe headaches, and nausea. Dr. Xand urged people to act quickly and call for help if they notice these signs.