The Gauteng department of health has urged residents to seek emergency medical care immediately if they notice signs of a stroke. Delays in treatment can lead to death, permanent disability, and loss of independence. This call to action comes as the global community commemorates World Stroke Day under the theme “Every Minute Counts”. The department emphasizes the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and acting without delay to minimize damage.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted by a blocked or ruptured blood vessel. Without enough blood and oxygen, brain cells begin to sustain damage. According to the World Stroke Organisation, about 1.9-million brain cells can be lost every minute during a stroke. Early recognition and urgent medical attention are critical to prevent long-term damage and improve outcomes.
Data from the Gauteng department’s Provincial Rehabilitation Services unit shows that between the 2019/20 and 2024/25 financial years, 32,444 new stroke cases and 105,441 follow-up cases were recorded. In the 2024/25 financial year alone, the unit recorded 6,855 new cases and 22,771 follow-up cases. These statistics highlight the significant burden of stroke on the healthcare system and the need for prompt action.
Stroke can affect movement, balance, speech, swallowing, and memory, as well as a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities. Survivors may require ongoing rehabilitation and support to regain function and improve their quality of life. The department has identified the FAST warning signs: Face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to seek emergency medical assistance.
To identify potential stroke symptoms, residents are advised to ask someone suspected of having a stroke to smile and check whether one side of their face droops. They should also ask the person to raise both arms to see whether one is weak or drifts downwards, and to repeat a simple sentence to check for slurred or confused speech. Other warning signs include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, confusion, difficulty seeing, walking, or maintaining balance.
The department warns against waiting for symptoms to worsen, trying home remedies, or waiting for a routine clinic appointment. Instead, residents are encouraged to seek emergency medical assistance immediately, even if the symptoms improve or disappear. Emergency Medical Services can be contacted on 112 from a cellphone or 10177. Residents are also advised to manage risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
To prevent strokes, residents are encouraged to check their blood pressure regularly, take prescribed medication consistently, attend follow-up appointments, maintain a balanced diet, exercise, and reduce salt intake. People with suspected strokes require urgent assessment at a hospital emergency unit, where treatment will depend on the type and severity of the stroke, when symptoms started, and the patient’s clinical condition.
Key points
- Delays in treating stroke can lead to death, disability, and loss of independence.
- Early recognition and urgent medical attention are critical to prevent long-term damage.
- Residents are encouraged to recognize the FAST warning signs: Face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to seek emergency medical assistance.
