October 16, 2009

Simple signs to recognize a stroke


Here's a story that commonly happens --- Some people wouldn't even know that they are actually having a stroke before it's too late.

Jane (name changed), was having BBQ with her husband and friends when she stumbled and fell. It was just a little fall, and she reassured everyone that she was fine and there was no need for the paramedics to be called. She said that it was just a little trip because she had new shoes on. Although Jane appeared a bit shaken, but she continue to enjoy the rest of her afternoon.

Later that day, Jane's husband called up everyone and informing that Jane had been taken to the hospital. She passed away at 6PM.

Jane had a stroke at the BBQ party. If anyone had known how to identify these simple signs of stroke, she might still be alive. Of course in some cases, if stroke victims got to the hospital a bit later, the person ends up bed ridden instead.

Friends, family or even bystander can easily recognize a stroke by asking these :

1. SMILE : Ask the person to smile. See if his/her smile is crooked.

2. TALK : Ask the person to talk and speak a simple sentence coherently.
Eg. "The weather is good today."


3. RAISE : Ask the person to raise both of his/her arms.

4. TONGUE : Ask the person to stick out his/her tongue.


If that person has any difficulties in doing any of task 1,2,3 and if his/her tongue is crooked to one side, these are signs of a stroke.

~ A neurologist said that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours, he can reverse the effect of the stroke.

This part is for the victim himself/herself.

If you :

1. Feel a sudden numbness or weakness in face, arm/legs...especially in one side of the body,

2. Feel a sudden confusion, difficulties in understanding or speaking,

3. Have sudden trouble in seeing (one eye or both),


4. Feel a sudden dizziness, trouble in walking, lost of balance/coordination,


5. Feel a sudden headache with no other known cause,

If you experience more than one of these symptoms, most probably you're having a stroke. Get help immediately.

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