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[Albus Dumbledore]

Kinda bored, i got this in an e-mail--and best of all its true!

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Quote

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunatlely, 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 bystanderd 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 speak a verry simple sentence. (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.

Notice from serverph:

even with the new upgrade of the forums, IT IS STILL imperative to FOLLOW the trap17 forum rules & TOS. quotes added. warning served.

Edited by serverph, 03 February 2006 - 05:13 AM.

[Yratorm, LightMage]

Very informative, Albus.


This is a very good test - I'd just like to add some relevant information. It's important to remember that SOME stroke victims can actually pass that test. Sometimes the symptoms of a stroke can be as slight as a slight numbness of the face, or weakness in an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body - the victim will be able to smile, raise their arms, talk coherently, etc. but STILL be suffering a stroke.

While this is a VERY GOOD TEST for identifying a stroke quickly in the majority of cases, if you notice anything that even slightly signifies a lack of control over your motor functions (such as a slight numbness) you should see a doctor at once.


This is because speed is of the essence where treating a stroke is concerned. Immediate treatment can PREVENT damage - a delay leads to permanent damage.


See a doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms:
1) Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
2) Sudden loss of feeling, numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the face or body) (or an arm or leg)
3) Sudden trouble walking, loss of co-ordination, loss of balance, stumbling with no apparent reason.
4) A severe headache, dizziness.
5) Mental confusion - trouble understanding things, or trouble speaking.

If you can pass the test successfully but still have ANY of the above symptoms, you MUST see your doctor at once. Stroke damage can be PREVENTED by treating the stroke AT ONCE. A delay leads to permanent damage, and can even be fatal.