recognizing a stroke

-- STROKE IDENTIFICATION --

* This message below was sent to me via email:

During a BBQ, a woman stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics). She said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.


They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Jane went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening


Jane's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - at 6:00 pm Jane passed away. She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Jane would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.



RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Effects from a stroke can usually be reversed within 3 hours, but this depends on people knowing how to recognize, diagnose and get medical care for the victim in time.

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


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


S *Ask the individual to SMILE.

T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently).

(i.e. It is sunny out today.)

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

T - * Ask the person to STICK OUT THEIR TONGUE. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other,that is also an indication of a stroke.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediatelyand describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

Find Dave & Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, information about their radio shows & free resources & articles at www.brummet.ca