In this episode, released during Stroke Awareness Month, we speak to Abbie, a researcher at the University of Manchester working on a project supported by The Natalie Kate Moss Trust.

Abbie’s research is exploring whether an intracerebral haemorrhage - a stroke caused by bleeding inside the brain - could be identified before a patient reaches hospital.

At present, paramedics cannot reliably distinguish a brain haemorrhage from a stroke caused by a blocked blood vessel without a hospital brain scan. Abbie’s work is helping to develop a diagnostic approach that combines a rapid finger-prick blood test with clinical information such as blood pressure and level of consciousness.

Earlier diagnosis could ultimately allow patients to receive the right treatment sooner. Because when somebody experiences a stroke, Every Second Counts.

Abbie talks about:

• What an intracerebral haemorrhage is and why the first few hours are so critical.
• Why paramedics cannot currently identify the type of stroke inside an ambulance.
• How a finger-prick test for a protein called GFAP could help detect bleeding in the brain.
• Why the test result would be combined with clinical information such as blood pressure and consciousness.
• The Greater Manchester DIAGNOSIS study and how its findings will inform the project.
• Why distinguishing between bleeding and a blockage is essential before treatment begins.
• How early blood-pressure treatment could potentially improve outcomes for patients with an intracerebral haemorrhage.
• The importance of making any new diagnostic approach safe, accurate and practical for paramedics.
• What researchers can learn from patients, paramedics and hospital stroke clinicians.
• The next steps towards testing the approach in ambulances.
• How support from The Natalie Kate Moss Trust is helping to move this work forward.
• Why recognising the signs of stroke and seeking emergency help immediately can make such an important difference.

Learn More About the Research

Discover more about the project and how researchers hope to diagnose and treat intracerebral haemorrhage sooner:

https://www.nataliekatemoss.co.uk/blog/diagnosing-and-treating-intracerebral-haemorrhage-in-the-ambulance

Support The Natalie Kate Moss Trust

The Natalie Kate Moss Trust funds research into brain haemorrhage, with the aim of improving prevention, treatment and outcomes for people affected by this devastating condition.

If you would like to support this research and the Trust’s wider work, you can make a donation here:

https://www.nataliekatemoss.co.uk/donate

Every Second Counts

This episode forms part of our Every Second Counts campaign during Stroke Awareness Month.

A stroke is always a medical emergency. If you think that you or somebody else may be experiencing a stroke, call 999 immediately. Do not wait to see whether the symptoms improve.

Monthly Blood Pressure Reminders

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for brain haemorrhage. Regularly checking your blood pressure can help you understand your numbers and identify high blood pressure.

Sign up to receive a monthly reminder to check your blood pressure:

https://mailchi.mp/nataliekatemoss.co.uk/monthly-reminders

More from the Podcast

If you’re new to the podcast, there are plenty of episodes to catch up on across Series 1, Series 2 and Series 3, featuring personal experiences, expert insight and conversations about brain-haemorrhage prevention, treatment and recovery.

Thank you for listening and for supporting the podcast.