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:
*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.
A cardiologist says if everyone who reads this
remembers it, you can bet that at least one
life will be saved.
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