How to recognize a stroke

[jzt]

This little story was sent to me. Thought I would pass it along.

Subject: Re: Stroke Recognition

During a BBQ a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the
rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm, Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ - had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.

It only takes a minute to read this-Recognizing a Stroke

----- 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 an getting to the patient within 3 hours which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

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 e 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. See the article at the following web site.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier

[Toad]

hmmm...slured speech, can't raise arms above head. I think I've had a stroke on several Saturday nights recently:rolleyes:

[JN]

As soon as I saw the title of this thread, I thought "okay, here's the 'bleeding instructions' urban legend". However, I was wrong: the information above on recognizing stroke signs is quite accurate.

For confirming information (including a description of the "fake" urban legend stroke warnings), click here (http://www.snopes.com/medical/disease/stroke.asp).

[Nipples the Clown]

I am glad I took the time to read this. I just learned something new.

[jzt]

As soon as I saw the title of this thread, I thought "okay, here's the 'bleeding instructions' urban legend". However, I was wrong: the information above on recognizing stroke signs is quite accurate.

For confirming information (including a description of the "fake" urban legend stroke warnings), click here (http://www.snopes.com/medical/disease/stroke.asp).


I figured that the story part was made up in a way to get your attention, but the advice was correct. Glad to pass it along.

[jzt]

hmmm...slured speech, can't raise arms above head. I think I've had a stroke on several Saturday nights recently:rolleyes:

But I bet you could still smile correctly. ;)

[rogelah]

The above is solid advice from one who has had a minor stroke, a TIA (temporary ischemic attack), and knew the signs.

In my case I sat up on the side of my bed and and then attempted to stand; I was forced to sit down again (I don't remember what had not worked properly) and since I had Muscular Dystrophy I didn't give it much thought. I then did my morning ablutions, got dressed and went into my home office.

As I began to type I would type A and it would come out W; typed S and it came out D and this continued for a few minutes whenever I typed anything with my left hand.

I called 911. I went to the ER and they diagnosed stroke. By this time I had difficulty moving my left leg.

I was fortunate in that I recognized the symptoms and called right away. I spent 4 days in the hospital and 5 weeks in a rehab facility to get my use of the left leg back. The bad part was I became the full-time partner of a wheelchair.

Strokes are usually one-sided. That is if the stroke is on the right side of the brain then the left side is affected with the exception of the cranial nerves which if affected will show up on the same side (affects the facial muscles, the eyes, hearing, tongue, smell, etc).

So if someone falls down for unexplained reasons or can't seem to use an arm or their speech is slurred or can't seem to hear on one side or can't get up out of a seated position (one leg doesn't seem to want to cooperate--don't hesitate--call 911.

[jzt]

Rogelah. What a story. I don't know what to say. Glad to hear that you are okay though. Wow.

[Non Member]

Thanks for the information, Rogelah. I am sorry you had a stroke; but I am glad you are alive to tell us.

[rogelah]

I just returned home from a 3 day stay at CCH. Had another incident where knowing the stroke symptoms helps. During my stay I think I had every medical test known to man. Fortunately all tests showed that I am a healthy 65 yo male who rides around in a chair instead of walking.

It seems that the platelets in my blood are sticking to closely together and probably caused a Temporary Ischemic Attack (TIA). No paralysis or other bad stuff resulted.

I wish my platelets would have a family fight so that they would not be so close. :D The doctor prescribed Aggravox (or something like that). Why do they always prescribe the latest, most expensive drug for which there is no generic alternative and the cost of a single month is enough to pay off the natinal debt? :confused:

[Mrs. Hein]

I just returned home from a 3 day stay at CCH. Had another incident where knowing the stroke symptoms helps. During my stay I think I had every medical test known to man. Fortunately all tests showed that I am a healthy 65 yo male who rides around in a chair instead of walking.

It seems that the platelets in my blood are sticking to closely together and probably caused a Temporary Ischemic Attack (TIA). No paralysis or other bad stuff resulted.

I wish my platelets would have a family fight so that they would not be so close. :D The doctor prescribed Aggravox (or something like that). Why do they always prescribe the latest, most expensive drug for which there is no generic alternative and the cost of a single month is enough to pay off the natinal debt? :confused:
Glad you're doing better, Rogelah.

Who's your neuro? My mom (86 years young) sees Eduardo Locatelli for seizure disorder, and she really loves him.

[Tubby]

Maybe you needed them to add a little Republican Blood that should start a war:) of the platelets Boom

Glad your feeling better and welcome back.

[d-o-b]

I wish my platelets would have a family fight so that they would not be so close.
can they shake you a little so they spread around? :D
Glad you are back and OK!

[billuscher]

Rogelah, happy to hear that you are OK and back home.

[Donna]

Rogelah, I'm glad you are ok. Isn't a TIA like a mini stroke, with similar symptoms. I have a friend who has had 3 and that is how he described it.

Perhaps your doctor owns stock in the pharmaceutical company who makes this new drug? I remember when Viagra first came out and I hadn't even heard of it yet. A client of mine worked for a urologist at the time. One day I had several older men call me to buy Pfizer stock. They were all referred by my nurse client. I called my client that night to ask what was up. That was when I first heard of Viagra.

[rogelah]

Glad you're doing better, Rogelah.

Who's your neuro? My mom (86 years young) sees Eduardo Locatelli for seizure disorder, and she really loves him.Dr. Locatelli is also my neurologist.

[rogelah]

Thanks everyone for your kind words. By the way, this is my second stay and use of the ER at CCH and I can only say that I wish I got such good care and service from the hotels I have stayed in. :)

[JN]

Rogelah, I concur on the ER at Cleveland Clinic: so far, absolutely no complaints from the JN household ... and I hope none of us (in our family, or reading this thread!) have an opportunity to test them out any further!