The general public does not find it easy to recognise the early signs of stroke, and people want simple, understandable educational materials about stroke. This is the finding of a qualitative study by Yoon and Byles (p 1065) in which 35 participants took part in discussion groups and answered questionnaires about stroke. For maximum effect, thrombolytic agents must be given soon after acute ischaemic stroke. Unless people know they are or might be having a stroke, that opportunity will be missed.
