Awareness of Wake-Up Stroke in Middle-Aged Adults

Wake-up stroke is the phenomenon of waking up with neurological symptoms similar to an ischemic stroke with a time of last known well when you went to bed. Wake-up stroke patients are currently excluded from intravenous thrombosis intervention (IV-rtPA) as time of onset is unknown leading to worse functional outcome. Thus, it is necessary to increase awareness about Wake-up stroke, its risk-factors, symptoms and warning signs in order to receive early medical intervention. Aims and Objectives: This study was done to assess awareness of Wake-up stroke and its risk-factors in middle-aged adults. Methods and Materials: This was a cross-sectional study in which purposive sampling method was used. 216 participants were included. A structured questionnaire was created that included the questions regarding awareness of Wake-up stroke and its risk-factors. Statistical analysis: The data was analyzed using the descriptive analysis. Results: 47.73% of middle-aged adults were aware about symptoms, warning signs, physical disability, functional outcomes of Wake-up stroke and its early physiotherapy intervention. 61.8% of middle-aged adults were aware regarding the risk-factors of Wake-up stroke. Conclusion: Awareness about Wake-up stroke, its clinical features, preventive measures and emergency management was poor and must be given to the community through books, newspapers, community health camps and educational programs. Key words: Ischemic stroke, Obstructive sleep apnoea, Atrial fibrillation, Arterial hypertension, Circadian rhythm, IV recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV-rtPA).