Subject: Fw: Recognizing a stroke

Recognizing a stroke

This might be a lifesaver if we can remember the three questions!

Is It a Stroke?

This was published in a monthly newsletter where a friend of mine
lives and she sent it on. I had never heard this advice before and
hadn't a clue. Perhaps, you hadn't either and would like to file it
away in the back of your head.

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 any bystander can
recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

* Ask the individual to smile.
* Ask him or her to raise both arms.
* Ask the person to speak a simple sentence.

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1
immediately and describe the symptoms to th e dispatcher.
After discovering that a group of nonmedical 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."

PASS IT ON..............recognizing a stroke