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General discussion

Is it a stroke?

Mar 11, 2004 9:19PM PST

This was published in a monthly newsletter where a friend of mine lives and he 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 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 the 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...............
Eat Right, Exercise, Die Anyway.

Discussion is locked

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Just an observation ...
Mar 11, 2004 9:59PM PST

that if there is this level of concern, shouldn't one dial 9-1-1 first, and ask the questions later (ready for when the ambulance crew arrives.)

I don't know anything about these things, except that for heart attacks, for example, time really is of the essence.

Just a thought.

Regards
Mo

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Mo, just cause someone acts a little strangely is no reason to call 911. If ..
Mar 11, 2004 10:22PM PST

that were true my family would be calling 911 for me every day! Happy

Kidding aside, Mo, until you ask these questions you don't have anything to go on unless there are mojor symptoms. For instance if someone were all of a sudden walking oddly it wouldn't mean they were having a stroke but asking those questions may varify that they are.

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Thanks Rosalie, I guess it is different here ....
Mar 12, 2004 3:07AM PST

First of all, I doubt any of us would recognise the symptoms and I thank Mary Kay and Angeline for these and hope these will sink into our memories.

Then, because our NHS is free (well not really, paid by tax etc), the first instinct is to pick up the phone. How quickly the medics arrive depends on where you are and of course how many other calls they are dealing with. And because it is free, many people abuse the system by calling in with problems which really are not emergency situations - they are trying somehow to resolve this.

My point really is that you need to take emergency action according to the time it will take to get that action. Again, it is probably different here, because the subsequent action will also be free (and usually quick for emergencies, though not quite so for other treatments).

As for behaving strangely, we all have our problems... They promised faithfully that they would replenish the padding in my cell last week. Must put another note under the door.

Regards
Mo

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Your's is padded?! My last one wasn't. :-( -nt
Mar 12, 2004 4:31AM PST

.

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Some other signs
Mar 11, 2004 11:17PM PST

Some other signs:

Complains of double vision.

Complaints of sudden blurred vision

Droopiness on one side of the face

Numbness on on side of the face/body

Numbness of lips

Slight slurring or lisping when speaking

Trouble with balance (common in "mini strokes")

Changes involving other senses.

(One can also ask the person to squeeze their hands, and weakness on one side or the other can be felt. While doing that, one can onserve how the person is following with their eyes.)


The bottom line - any change merits immediate action. One sign noted is enough to call. While awaiting the EMT, there is time to check them out further.

lways best to err on the side of caution.

Some folks refuse to go to the hospital. It is up to the caregiver to insist upon it, as hard as that may be.

Angeline
click here to email semods4@yahoo.com

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Re: Thanks Angeline for the sdded info... nt
Mar 11, 2004 11:39PM PST

.