It only takes a minute to read this, so just take a moment to read this little piece of info. It could save a life.
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke entirely. However, it is mentioned that the trick was to get a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.
RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Remember the 3 steps, S.T.R.
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, i.e. to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Must be coherent) (e.g. We have good weather today).
R – Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
Additional note:
Here’s another possible identification of a stroke; ask the person to stick out his or her tongue. If the tongue looks crooked, (i.e. if it hangs to one side) it may also be an indication of a stroke.