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Stroke warning signs

Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 4:39 pm
by Bigdog
I received this information from Jeff Silvey. It is great information for everyone and you could possibly save someone's life if you recognize these signs and obtain help in time.
The last test is relatively new information. Although it has been applied in the EMS field for quite a while now many lay people are not aware of the test.

My thanks to Jeff for requesting this information to be posted in the forum.



STROKE:Remember the 1st Three Letters....S.T.R.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) .she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening

Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 pm Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die. they end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this....

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

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Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR . Read and Learn!

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

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue.. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other,that is also an indication of a stroke.

Re: Stroke warning signs

Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 12:00 pm
by Dennis
Thank you Jeff and BD for sharing this with the members. This information is relevant and extremely important for the health and well being of everyone.

Prevention of strokes should be everyone's first step -- go see your doctor and monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure. Do it for your family and friends. An baby aspirin a day won't hurt the majority of people and could prevent a stroke or lessen the damage if one occurs.

Excellent post!
Dennis