KUALA LUMPUR, November 3 – Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) has introduced Malaysia’s first educational Stroke Mirror to help the public recognise stroke symptoms and understand the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.
The initiative was launched during Brain for Life: The Ultimate Mind & Motion Experience, held at Sunway Velocity Mall from October 30 to November 1.
The programme aimed to make stroke awareness easier to understand through interactive activities. It also encouraged Malaysians to take a more active role in protecting their brain health.
Delayed Treatment Remains a Major Concern
According to the Malaysia National Stroke Registry Report 2017–2024, only 36.3 per cent of patients with ischaemic stroke reached hospital within 4.5 hours of their symptoms starting.
The report highlights a continuing challenge in stroke care. Many people still struggle to recognise early warning signs, which can delay treatment.
SMCV introduced the Stroke Mirror to address this problem. The educational feature gives visitors a more engaging way to learn about stroke symptoms and the need for urgent medical attention.
The programme also promoted a preventive approach to brain health. This includes regular health assessments, understanding personal risk factors and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.
Every Minute Matters When a Stroke Occurs
SMCV consultant physician and neurologist Dr Kok Chin Yong stressed that stroke is a medical emergency.
He said nearly two million neurons could be lost for every minute that treatment is delayed. The human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons.
He also warned that people should not dismiss symptoms such as sudden facial drooping, arm weakness or difficulty speaking.
To help the public remember the warning signs, he highlighted the BE FAST principle:
- B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance.
- E – Eyes: Sudden changes in vision.
- F – Face: One side of the face droops.
- A – Arms: Weakness in one arm.
- S – Speech: Difficulty speaking or unclear speech.
- T – Time: Call emergency services immediately.
Dr Kok advised the public not to wait for symptoms to worsen. Even mild symptoms, or symptoms that disappear after a short time, should not be ignored.
He also highlighted the importance of managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
Children Also Learn to Recognise Stroke Symptoms
SMCV extended its awareness efforts to younger generations through a FAST Heroes workshop.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the Angels Initiative. It used interactive learning activities to teach children how to recognise stroke warning signs and respond during emergencies.
The workshop also encouraged children to share what they learned with their parents, grandparents and other family members.
Free Health Checks and Interactive Activities
Besides the Stroke Mirror and FAST Heroes workshop, Brain for Life offered complimentary basic health, nerve health and cognitive assessments.
Visitors also had opportunities to speak with SMCV’s Neuroscience team. They could discuss health concerns, understand possible risk factors and receive guidance on suitable follow-up care.
Other activities included a robotic chess experience and cognitive challenges. These activities encouraged visitors of different ages to explore brain function and mental engagement.
SMCV chief executive officer Susan Cheow said the initiative reflected the hospital’s commitment to making health education more accessible and engaging.
She said the hospital hoped to help more Malaysians recognise stroke warning signs, take preventive action and make informed health decisions.
Through the programme, SMCV aims to bring important health knowledge beyond hospital settings and into the wider community.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
