[RickJ]

I got this email that is apparently circulating the masses. It it accurate?. or is it just stupid email forwards?:

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall, she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics)... she said she had 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 6:00 pm 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. Some don't die, they end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this...

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 - remembering 3 steps, STR .

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.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that
At least one life will be saved.

[NeedKarma]

It appears here as well: Administration & Support Services: Stroke Identification
No mention of it at Snopes which is good.

[RickJ]

No mention of it at Snopes which is good.

I did check snopes first, and not seeing it there figured at least it might have merit.

J_9, yer thoughts?

[N0help4u]

I figured that is just some things you can try to tell

The American Stroke Association wants you to learn the warning signs of stroke:

* Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
* Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
* Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye
* Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
* Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

* Not all the warning signs occur in every stroke. Don't ignore signs of stroke, even if they go away!
* Check the time. When did the first warning sign or symptom start? You'll be asked this important question later.
* If you have one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical service (EMS) number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can quickly be sent for you.
* If you're with someone who may be having stroke symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1 or the EMS. Expect the person to protest — denial is common. Don't take "no" for an answer. Insist on taking prompt action.

[J_9]

Rick, sorry it took so long to get back to you. School is again in session and this is the most time consuming (and last) semester of the program.

I have to agree with both NK and N0Help here.

I have heard of this (STR) though

However, not every stroke causes hemiparalysis (one sided paralysis)

Smile: if there is a stroke one side of the mouth may droop
Talk: confusion and or slurring of speech may occur
Reach: if there is hemiparalysis then one side of the body would reach higher than the other, or one side not at all.

Now this all depends on where in the brain the stroke occurs. If it is in the left hemisphere, then the right side of the body is affected and visa versa.

But then, we have mini-strokes that may have very little if any symptoms at all.

So, in all reality (at least to me, giggle) this is common sense, and I may take it with a grain of salt, considering there are so many signs and symptoms of strokes, but I would not put it out of my mind.

These can definitely be signs and symptoms of some strokes.

You can also tell if one eyelid droops (hemiparalysis again)

[RickJ]

Thanks, all of you... I'll stash this one in my "good general info" folder :)

[J_9]

I'll definitely have to ask about this one for sure, as this is one of the topics this semester focuses on.

[J_9]

Ah, ha, I asked about this while in skills lab today. She said that this is a very good rule of thumb for the average person.

While, as I said above, it does not cover every stroke, it is something that should be kept in mind for the layperson to know.