Don't ignore a funny turn - dial 999

That’s the message of a new mini-stroke public awareness campaign being rolled out by NHS South Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset.

The message for the public is to that any stroke, however ssmall, is an emergency and people should call 999.

The campaign feautures Dennis Escott, 81, from Portishead, who had a mini-stroke last year.

Research shows that 10% of people who have a mini-stroke go on to have another stroke within two days. Strokes are the third largest cause of premature death in the UK and a leading cause of long term disability.

The symptoms of a mini-stroke are the same as those for a full stroke – sudden drooping face or, numb arms or legs and slurred speech.

Like full strokes, mini-strokes (also known as TIAs), happen when blood supply to the brain is cut off. The difference is that with a mini-stroke symptoms usually disappear in only minutes or hours.

Dr Neil Baldwin, a stroke specialist at Frenchay hospital in Bristol, said: “Mini-strokes are a warning. The quicker we can treat you the better your chances of avoiding another stroke. If you or someone you care about is having a mini-stroke act FAST - call 999.

“And if you think you may have had a mini-stroke in the distant past please get checked out by your GP. “

The specialist stroke clinics at Frenchay and the BRI have now been extended to weekends as well. It is hoped they will be 24/7, 7 days a week by the end of the year.

Across the former Avon area as a whole around 500 mini-strokes are reported each year and 3200 full strokes. NHS research suggests that many mini-strokes are not being reported.

For more information visit www.nhs.uk/actfast and for local charities offering stroke support

For more information visit www.nhs.uk/actfast and for local charities offering stroke support contact Different Strokes or the Thornbury & District Suppoprt Group .