Box 2.

Response to symptoms

General public

There is nothing you can do, you just ring the ambulance

If you have enough stress you might get a headache but you certainly don't get palpitations or shortness of breath

We were not really brought up to go to the doctors very much in the country and doctors weren't as readily available

Severity is the most important thing. If it is not within your experience, it is something that you worry about

Your experience tells you that most times, almost every time, it has gone away in time

Stroke groups

Did not worry much about it and took medication for migraine and wait

Thought symptoms will be better tomorrow

Time was late so just went to bed thinking it will be better after sleep

Thought it was something else like food poisoning

I wondered what have I eaten or am I having a stroke? I will see doctor tomorrow, I think

It was the weekend and I don't think to see a doctor about nothing because they have the weekend off, and I'd rather see them stay home, so I go on Monday

I only think vomiting at home would have been the flu and you don't worry about it

Just because you have a severe headache you don't assume you are having a stroke, just because your face is tingling (because when you have a history of an allergy that is similar) you don't assume you are having a stroke

I mean I'd know instantly if somebody's face was drooping or drooling but in this case there is no meaning