EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 8 AM ET, October 24, 2006
American Academy of Neurology Signs World Stroke Day Proclamation
ST. PAUL, Minn -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Angela Babb, ababb@aan.com, (651)-695-2789 Robin Stinnett, rstinnett@aan.com, (651)-695-2763 American Academy of Neurology Signs World Stroke Day Proclamation ST. PAUL, Minn – The American Academy of Neurology is joining forces with the American Stroke Association and health organizations worldwide by signing a World Stroke Day proclamation to bring global awareness to the growing epidemic of stroke, which is now the world’s second leading cause of death. The Joint World Stroke Congress has declared October 26, 2006, World Stroke Day, in an effort to spread the word about the risks, warning signs, treatment, and prevention of stroke. “Stroke spares no age, ethnic origin, sex or country,” according to a World Stroke Day Proclamation. But stroke is preventable. “Prevention is the most applicable and affordable part of our knowledge, but prevention is neglected, particularly in developing countries.” The American Academy of Neurology and the American Stroke Association encourage people to take a moment to learn if they are at risk of stroke, know the warning signs, and what to do in a stroke emergency. Visit www.thebrainmatters.org or www.strokeassociation.org. “In the United States, stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of severe, long-term disability,” said Thomas R. Swift, MD, FAAN, president of the American Academy of Neurology. “The Academy is pleased to support efforts to increase global awareness of the causes, warning signs and prevention of stroke.” The Joint World Congress will be held October 26-29, 2006 in Cape Town, South Africa. The main message this year will be “Stroke: A preventable and treatable catastrophe.” The American Academy of Neurology has practice guidelines to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke. More information on these guidelines can be found at www.aan.com.