Many of us are involved in caring for a loved elderly or disabled person. Keeping informed of how to react in an emergency situations, should they arise will give us an added sense of security and could potentially save a life.
If a stroke is recognized, and medical attention is given within the first 3 hours of diagnosis, the effects of a stroke can be totally reversed. The trick is in getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.
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.
You can learn to recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions: Just remember the first 3 letters in the word 'STROKE'
S -Ask the individual to SMILE.
T-Ask the person to TALK and Speak a simple sentence coherently.
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
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 and indication of a stroke.
Learn to recognize the symptoms of a stroke:
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg.
- Abrupt loss of vision, strength, coordination, sensation, speech, or the ability to understand speech. These symptoms may become more marked over time.
- Sudden dimness of vision, especially in one eye.
Sudden loss of balance, possibly accompanied by vomiting, nausea, fever, hiccups, or trouble with swallowing. - Sudden and severe headache with no other cause followed rapidly by loss of consciousness.
- Brief loss of consciousness.
- Unexplained dizziness or sudden falls.
- Call 911 or seek other emergency care immediately if you or someone you know experiences possible symptoms of stroke.
- Don't wait to see if the symptoms pass.
- Timing is of essence!