Signs of a Stroke

I wrote the other day about how important it is to notice the signs of a stroke or heart attack. We all know it is important when we think about it, but often we think about it too late.

Some one sent me an email with these tips for testing signs of a stroke. I don't really know how definitive it is, but it makes sense. I wanted to post the list to inform people, but the best thing to do if you even suspect a stroke or heart attack, is to go the Emergency Room or call 911 right away if you can not get to the hospital yourself.

Here is the email...

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters.... S.T.R.

Please read:STROKE IDENTIFICATION: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 then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE - Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR .
Read and Learn! 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..Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S * Ask the individual to SMILE.
T * Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today)
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 999/911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue NOTE: 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 an indication of a stroke.