Recognizing a Stroke

You don't have to be a doctor to save a life or to keep stroke damage to a minimum.  Knowing what to look for, and acting quickly, can make all  the difference.  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 is getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours. 

Recognizing symptoms is the key!  Read this important information to learn, and then remember, these 3 steps: S T R!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness can spell 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 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 emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.


*** Another Sign of a Stroke ***
       Ask the person to stick out their tongue!


NOTE: Another possible sign of a stroke is this: Ask the person to stick out his/her tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', or if it goes to one side or the other, that can also be an indication of a stroke.

At Comfort Keepers, we provide this simple, but extremely important, information to all of our caregivers.  And, as with so many situations, good training combined with common sense can make all the difference.  Visit our website today at www.comfortkeepers.com/office-697  to read about some of our top-notch caregivers and how they make a difference each and every day.  Call us today to see how we help you and your loved one live a safer and happier life right at home!