A neurologist friend of mine says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he has an excellent chance of totally reversing the effects of a stroke. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed and then getting the patient medical care within that 3-hour window -- 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. Here are 4 easy to remember stroke warning signs that may just help you save a life.
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 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
Finally, there's a new Sign of a Stroke: STICK OUT YOUR TONGUE. If the tongue is "crooked" (if it goes to one side or the other) that's also an indication of a stroke. Again, seek medical help immediately.
You don't have to be an Einstein to help someone in trouble. You just have to recognize the signs. Pass this information along to your friends - the life you save may be your own.