+ Life | Stroke Symptoms

A friend forwarded an email about Recognizing A Stroke.

A story was related in the email of an encounter that could have been prevented if any of the bystanders could recognise the symptoms.

My Mom suffered a mild stroke about 2 years ago. Received a call from Dad while I was at the office. Everyone rushed to our parents' home and called the our family doctor immediately.

Her symptom was noticeable that of a stroke. The loss of feeling and control of her left side with the drooping lips to one side. It was a scary moment for us all, a terrible one for her.

Everyone felt helpless as we could not do anything for her at that point of time, but called the doctor and be there by her side, massaging her and lots of reassuring words to lift her spirits to give her strength to fight it, at least mentally.

It was a terrible time not being prepared or ignorant.

Coming back to this email, not so clear symptoms are important to know, with these 3 Steps and get the victim help within the 3 hours to reverse the effects:

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed an getting to the patient within 3 hours which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE:

Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps. Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking 3 simple questions:

1. Ask the individual to SMILE.
2. Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE

(Coherently) (i.e. . . It is sunny out today) If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions.

They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February.

Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.

Whoever reads this, should remember these 3 Simple Questions and most importantly spread the awareness to anyone they know.
This awareness can save lives and prevents disabilities. So start now!