Detecting a stroke

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Karlynn

Received this info in an email from a friend. Don't know how factual, or how correct the protocol is, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to post it here - since so many of us live with the possibility of a stroke.

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 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.

(Edited out carets, Ross)
 
Not sure if the three questions would rule a stroke in or out. ANY time there is something unusual happening that cannot be totally attributed to actual clumsiness, it should be checked out at the ER.

Joe has had several (about 16) episodes of TIAs and at least one episode of infarction in his spleen.

His symptoms were quite varied. He hasn't had a full-blown stroke. But he could navigate his way through those three questions with most of the TIAs.

I wouldn't take any chances with someone falling down unexpectedly, even if they protest. Just get them to the ER and let the docs there decide what the problem is.

Three hours to reverse the effects of a stroke is a mighty narrow window. So if it is a stroke, it needs immediate attention. It might make the difference between a lifetime of disability or death and a fairly normal life.
 
Stroke test

Stroke test

While the test is a good tool- like Nancy said you can have a stroke and still
pass those test. When I had my TIA, I couldn't even walk. When I had my stroke, a ct scan showed several old mini-stroke, that I never was aware of.
BE cautious, if in doubt- get thy to the ER.
 
Karlynn:
Thank you for posting this important information. Al had three strokes. In the first, he just passed out cold and stayed that way for several hours. For the second one, which took place before my very eyes, he was fine one minute and in the next, he started slurring his works and his legs gave out from under him. The third time, he slurred his words for about an hour and they all functions returned. It is important for people to know the signs of a stroke. But, people also need to know that the stroke drug is not a remedy for all stroke victims.

The drug that is discussed is one that does NOT address all types of strokes and can not be used for brain bleeds. Also, the three hour time limit did not apply to Albert because he takes Coumadin. Our neurologist advised that people on anticoagulants can not take, what he called, the "clotbuster drug."
Finally, our doctor said that most of the doctors at our hospital are not qualified to use the drug, which should only be used by someone who specializes in acute stroke management. If the inexperienced doctors use and monitor the drug, I'm told that the drug could do more harm than good.

Here are a couple of articles that you might find helpful.
http://eatthestate.org/05-06/FocusOnCorporation.htm
http://www.webmd.com/content/pages/9/1675_57816.htm
Blanche
 
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