Stroke survivor with unusual symptom urges people to recognise signs

Health & Fitness
13 Feb 2026 • 10:02 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Gordon Robb, 63, suffered a haemorrhagic stroke last September, with his only symptom being an inability to read, rather than typical signs like facial or arm weakness.
  • Initially dismissing his symptoms as tiredness, Mr Robb was persuaded by his cousin to attend A&E, where he was diagnosed with a bleed on the brain.
  • Medical experts highlight that difficulty recognising written words as a sole stroke symptom affects fewer than one per cent of people.
  • Mr Robb is now participating in a British Heart Foundation-funded clinical trial at the University of Edinburgh, which is investigating whether anti-clotting drugs like clopidogrel or aspirin can prevent future strokes.
  • He is urging the public to recognise and act upon unusual symptoms, emphasising that early intervention is crucial for stroke treatment.

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