Recognizing a stroke

[ElizK]

Received this email today. I checked snopes and verified that this is true! (Here's the link: http://www.snopes.com/medical/disease/stroke.asp)


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 getting to the patient within 3 hours which is tough.
RECOGNIZING A STROKE - A true story

Susie is recouping at an incredible pace for someone with a massive stroke all because Sherry saw Susie stumble - - that is the key that isn't mentioned below -and then she asked Susie the 3 questions. So simple - - this literally saved Susie's life - - Some angel sent it to
Suzie's friend and they did just what it said to do. Suzie failed all three so then 9-1-1 was called.

Even though she had normal blood pressure readings and did not appear to be a stroke as she could converse to some extent with the Paramedics they took her to the hospital right away. Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps.
Read and Learn!
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 a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

1. *Ask the individual to SMILE.

2. *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

3. *Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (ie . It is sunny out today) 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 non-medical 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.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people, you can bet that at least one life will be saved.


BE A FRIEND AND SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE, you could save their lives.

 

[mommaU4]

This is important information to have. Thanks.

 

[barkley]

i can add to this FIGHT TO HAVE SOMEONE TAKE YOU SERIOUSLY WHEN YOU ARE EXPERIENCING THESE SYMPTOMS! medical experts far too often disregard the possibility of strokes in non elderly people. i had 2 in the course of 6 months just shy of age 40 and can clearly recall the er staff disregarding stroke as a possibility due to my age.

strokes can occur at any age-a severe headache can be a stroke occuring, sudden unexplained loss of hearing or vision can be signs as well.

a short term speech, memory or "drooping" of facial muscles or weakness on one side can be a t.i.a. (or mini stroke) it can pass in less than an hour but can be a precursor to a full blown stroke.

if you are alone and experience these symptoms call 911, even if you are unable to communicate stay on the line-an operator will dispatch help.

 

[LaLa]

Thanks for that important info. It's so true about stroke not having any regard for age. My step MIL had one at age 22 and had to learn to speak, walk, everything, all over again. She still slurs her words every now and then and sometimes it takes her a little while to think of what she is trying to say, but that just goes to show you that you can never be too young for anything, unfortunately.

 

[mrFDNY]

hi all,
yes it is true!!! the drug they use to reverse the affects of a stroke is called T.P.K. or is it T.P.A.?It must be given within 3 hours of symptons.anyway not all strokes can be reversed,but the eairler the better!anther trick to do is have the person stick out his or her tongue if the tongue goes to one side of the face instead of comming out straight,the side it goes to is the side of the brain that is "stroking out" most common strokes are caused by high blood pressure,but not all.if you have a severe headache and suddlenly get a bloody nose Call 911!!your pressure is probaly thru the roof. If your not sure if someone is haveing a stroke or any other medical problem,call 911 if the person is stable or has no problems the paramedics can leave the person home.just becaused you called does'nt mean you have to go.don't be afraid to call.the key when it comes to strokes is time,so if you think maybe call 911 asap.like i said the quicker the better.if it is a stroke they don't just roll you in the hosp and give you the medicine.they will have to do a number of test inculding a ct scan.sop get to the hosp asap.and yes a T.I.A. is a mini stroke and the symptons can and usally go away,don't be fooled this is a warning the body is telling you that a C.V.A.(major stroke)might be comming soon.the best way to stop any of them or other medical problems is to have regular healthy physicals with your own private M.D. regular.so go to your dr for check up's often!!!
have a great day all.

 

[mrFDNY]

hi all,
one more thing if you ask the person the 3 questions,asked questions that they have to answer with full sentences.don't ask questions that the person can simply answer with a yes or no.if the person can still get them correct but is slow on the gun,meaning mom or grandpa knows his/her house is painted blue.but it takes him 9 minutes to answer this question.when normally it take him/her under 10 seconds.so even though he/she got all 3 questions right,but it took way to long for him/her to answer all 3 this is also a sign.

 

[marlasmom]

I had two TIA's one month apart. I didn't do anything about the first one - with the second I went to the emergency room. The feelings - loss of vision and weakness in my legs passed quickly except for overall weakness and headache - but when I got to the hospital my blood pressure was 275 over something. I've never had a problem with high blood pressure before. I wasn't inclined to take it seriously but I should have. My neurologist also told me about the 3 hour rule.

This is great advice. Take it seriously. And don't delay if you have any of the symptoms mentioned.

 

[Bob Slydell]

It depends upon the severity of the stroke, however. My FIL dies from a massive stroke -- he was sitting in the waiting area at the hospital waiting to see his doctor for a follow-up on his heart bi-pass recovery when he noticed he was slurring his speech. He immediately recognized it (he was a hospital CEO) and they rushed him to the ER immediately. But with the extent of the blockage and the fact that he was apparently born with only one good artery leading to his brain stem (the blocked one), there was absolutely nothing they could do.

 

[DawnCt1]

strokes can occur at any age-a severe headache can be a stroke occuring, sudden unexplained loss of hearing or vision can be signs as well.

.

My niece had a stroke at the age of 2!!! She awoke in the morning completely paralyzed on one side. She has recovered fully and is a bright, active 14 year old. Despite being hospitalized at Boston Floating, and having her blood sent to various medical centers around the country, the cause was neve determined. She takes one baby aspirin per day.

 

[Muffy]

This is very important information. Getting to the ER fast is key with stroke symptoms. Hopefully by posting this here on the DIS you have saved a few folks. Thanks!

 

[WhoopyPie]

I got this email yesterday, but it started out with how a friend was at a BBQ and died hours later.

But the rest is all true. My Mom suffered 2 strokes with no damage, due to quick thinking.

 

[Rozzie]

As a stroke nurse, I have to say this has been the best post yet on the DIS! Yes, it is called TPA, but it has to be given within 3 hours. It is not a 100% cure, but it is a remarkable therapy that changes patients outcome. There is a high risk of bleeding, so no exceptions are made if you are unaware of how long the symptoms have appeared. Most people do not know when the symptoms appeared, ex: "I found Mom like this....I started feeling numbness a couple days ago.."...etc...

My best advice is, take all symptoms seriously, and seek help as soon as possible. Oh, and QUIT SMOKING!!!!!