How to recognise a stroke, not boaty but important

[Sans Bateau]

Recognising 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 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 afternoon. Ingrid's
husband called later that evening 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.
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours
he could totally reverse the effects of a stroke.

He said the trick was getting a stroke recognised, diagnosed and 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) e.g It is a
sunny day today

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 999 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
British 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. 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.

BE A FRIEND AND SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE,
you could save their lives.

 

[RupertW]

So now you put the email virus/hoax thing across multiple boards? Come on, this isn't like you. Even if it is mostly true, it's garbled and potentially misleading.

http://www.hoax-slayer.com/issue50.html#two

 

[BrendanS]

It's also ben posted and discussed previously, so not really any need to multiple board post anyway

 

[reginaldon]

First time I've noticed it, so WELL DONE Etap owner; had a mini stroke about 2+ years ago - total recovery apart from some disphasia: ie. I can't grap the right word or name at the time - a definite step along the path we are all inclined to follow with anno domini.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Maybe so, but if you ever find me winking at you, only able to lift one hand and talking rubbish, dont just assume I'm drunk again!

 

[AlienP2]

The 3 steps are correct (and taught by St Johns on 1st aid courses). The rest is confusing.

 

[andy_wilson]

Less Boaty but much more important.

BBC R4 news this morning was discussing The National Audit Office findings on brain scans.

Can't remember the %, but a large number of patients who are diagnosed as needing a brain scan within 3 hours, get one WITHIN THE DAY. Many more get one within 3 days.

I suggest that after consideration of the the above posting, if you need to go to hospital with someone and a scan is mentioned, you learn how to make an absolute bloody nuisance of yourself until it is done.

 

[steve_cronin]

Good training the SJAB. I did a CPR & Heartstop course there with a bunch of friends from Round Table. We "paid" for it by going back and renovating the roll-up door on their ambulance garage.

BTW, looking at your profile it seems that you had a luxurious upbringing: only FOUR in a Silhouette! Youi don't know what hardship is!

Steve Cronin

 

[pampas]

Thank you for making those who read the forums aware of strokes. I know I had one, if it was not for the Production Manager noticing that I looked tired and sending me home I do not know what the future might have been,Only slight but what a world changing event. Regarding the arm raising I would make them close their eyes and touch the tip of the nose, LOOK out for one arm being lower than the other (One arm at a time) or your index and middle fingers together get them to squeeze as hard as possible, wont hurt you but you will feel the difference Once again many thanks for airing this subject.