Irish hospitals saw a 3% increase in the number of people admitted with strokes in 2022 compared to 2021.
The figures come from the Irish National Audit of Stroke Report 2022, which says that between 2020 and 2021, there was a 7.1% increase in stroke admissions, and then a 3% increase between 2021 and 2022.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. This can be due to a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Symptoms include sudden numbness, confusion, difficulty speaking, and severe headache. Prompt treatment is crucial for recovery.
The sooner a person gets treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen.
The report claims that there was no significant increase in the demographic profile of those who experience strokes. The breakdown was 57% male with an average age of 70, and 43% female with an average age of 75.
Professor Joseph Harbison, Clinical Lead at the Irish National Audit of Stroke, told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that there were around 6,000 stroke cases admitted to Irish hospitals last year.
“There may have been some others that did not come in or in nursing homes and people decided not to admit them, and that’s an increase from about 5,800 the year before,” he said.
He said while there has been a modest increase in stroke unit beds and specialist beds, these are being “eaten up by the increasing number of strokes,” and added that such units can “significantly improve outcomes for people who have had a stroke.”
“We always say that time is brain,” he said.
“So, if you have a blockage to the main blood vessel to the side of your brain, you are probably losing about two million brain cells a minute from the minute that artery blocks.”
The HSE says that strokes can be recognised using the word FAST:
Face – your face may have dropped on one side, you may not be able to smile, or your mouth or eyelid may droop.
Arms – you may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm.
Speech – your speech may be slurred or garbled, or you may not be able to talk at all.
Time – it’s time to dial 999 immediately if you have any of these signs or symptoms.
Strokes are usually treated with medicine that prevents and dissolves blood clots, reduces the risk of bleeding, reduces blood pressure and reduces cholesterol levels. In some cases, a procedure is done to remove blood clots, and to treat brain swelling and reduce the risk of further bleeding.