STROKES could be predicted and prevention improved by use of a risk score developed by scientists at Oxford University, according to new research published by The Lancet this week. The findings, part-funded by The Stroke Association, could mean a change to the way that people who have had Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIAs) or 'mini strokes' are assessed and treated.

TIAs are similar to strokes but usually last only a few minutes. However, as many as 1 in 5 people who have a TIA will go on to have a major stroke within a month. The greatest risk is within the first 72 hours. The Oxford-based Stroke Prevention Research Unit looked into ways of identifying which people who have had a TIA are at highest risk of having a stroke. They identified 4 factors that could predict this risk:-

· Age of patients
· Blood pressure
· The Clinical features patients presented with 
· Duration of TIA symptoms

These predictive factors were combined to create the 'ABCD score' as a way of quantifying this risk. The risk of stroke within 7 days of TIA was over 30% in patients with a high ABCD score, whereas there were no early strokes in patients with low scores. Professor Rothwell states:- "Although further validations and refinements will be helpful, the ABCD score can be used in routine clinical practice to identify high-risk individuals who need emergency investigation and treatment." 

Current clinical guidelines recommend that TIA patients be assessed and treated at specialist clinics within seven days of their symptoms, but in most parts of the UK patients face delays of 2 weeks or more for appointments. The researchers found that most strokes that occurred in the first few days and weeks after a TIA occurred in patients who had been referred to a hospital clinic for investigation but had yet to be seen. "Current guidelines on the urgency with which TIA patients are investigated need to be revised," commented Professor Rothwell. "These improvements would not require an increase in funding and could be achieved simply by more effective use of existing resources; however, changes in health service policy would be needed for this to be achieved."

Although TIA and stroke are as common as acute coronary events, public knowledge of the warning symptoms is poor. "Public education about the need to seek medical attention urgently after a TIA has been difficult thus far because of the wide variety of possible symptoms of TIA." Rothwell states. "However, our results show that the vast majority of early strokes occur after TIAs with a few specific symptoms. These results should allow public education to be effectively focused.

All too often TIAs are ignored. But Professor Rothwell's work can help to predict whether someone who has had a TIA is going to have a catastrophic stroke that could be fatal or severely disabling. It is essential that all TIAs are diagnosed quickly so that patients can be assessed and immediately started on the most appropriate course of treatment. 

Stroke is the UK's third biggest killer and the single largest cause of severe disability. Major strokes are often preceded by a TIA. This simple score has been proven to predict whether a person who has had a TIA is at high risk of stroke. The Stroke Association urges the Department of Health to make sure that all GPs and hospital professionals are aware of this vital tool so that they are able to refer people quickly and in time for urgent intervention." said Joe Korner, Director of Communications at The Stroke Association.

LIVERPOOL'S hotels and restaurants are offering a feast of culinary delights as part of this year's 2008 celebrations. One lucky couple will win dinner, bed and breakfast for 2 nights at the swanky Marriott hotel in Liverpool city centre. To enter the free draw, all you have to do is send your name, address and contact number on a postcard marked '2008 draw' to the hotel by 20 August. 

The Marriott is also one of many Liverpool venues offering special deals at its restaurant to mark 2008. Diners will be able to enjoy a range of gastronomic delights at eateries across the city- from half price pizzas at the Adelphi Pizzeria, to 2-for-the-price-of-1 Scouse dishes at the Metropolitan Cathedral Piazza. And the offers aren't just limited to the city centre - the Sandon Lounge Bar in Anfield is putting together a special 2008 menu, offering a 3-course meal for 2 at just £20.08p. 

This year marks the 3rd anniversary of Liverpool's annual celebration of Capital of Culture status. Each year on 20 August - 2008 - organisations across the city put on a variety of events and offers to promote Liverpool's many cultural highlights. 

Councillor Warren Bradley, the city council's executive member for culture, said:- "Liverpool's food and drink scene is right at the heart of the city's cultural life, and I'm delighted so many venues have pledged their support for our third 2008 celebrations. Liverpool's hospitality sector has undergone a dramatic transformation in the past few years. We now have an enviable range of hotels, bars and restaurants, which will play an important role in welcoming visitors to the city in 2008. I'd like to see even more venues sign-up for 2008 before the July 15 deadline. It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase the massive choice that is available in Liverpool."

This year's 2008 festivities have attracted support from organisations and firms from right across the cultural spectrum. As well as restaurants and hotels; tourist attractions, art galleries, and even an online CD shop have contributed to the growing list of offers.

Professor Drummond Bone, Chairman of the Liverpool Culture Company, said:- "2008 is a unique opportunity for the whole city to celebrate our Capital of Culture success. It gives the people of Liverpool a chance to sample the city's outstanding cultural assets. A staggering 200 offers were made last year - I'm sure that we can beat that figure this year."

The deadline for making a 2008 offer is July 15. Groups and organisations interested in putting on a special event or offering special discounts on 2008 should visit the website at www.liverpool08.com and complete the 2008 form. It's as easy as that!