STROKE - how to identify

Neurologists say that if they can get to a Stroke victim within 3 hours they can totally reverse the effects of a Stroke...totally. They say the trick was getting a stroke recognised, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNISING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the 3 steps, STR. Please 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 recognise the symptoms of a Stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognise a Stroke by asking 3 simple questions:

S Ask the individual to SMILE

T Ask the person to TALK to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently ie It is a sunny day 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, it is also an indication of a Stroke.

If he or she has difficulty with ANY ONE of these tasks, please call for help immediately and describe the symptoms to the emergency services.

Your awareness & help could save a life.