Recognizing a Stroke

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 then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE ThankGod for the sense to remember the "3" steps, STR .

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 to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. . . It is sunny out today)

R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS .

*NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this : 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 doctor immediately … and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this link sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.