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) (i.e. . . 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. |
