March 29th, 2006 | researchmaterial
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 and getting to the patient within 3 hours, which is tough.
RECOGNIZING A STROKE
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 three simple questions:
1. Ask the individual to SMILE.
2. Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3. Ask the person to SAY A SIMPLE SENTENCE (coherently). (example: “It is sunny today.”)
If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 911(999, etc) 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.