Recognizing a Stroke

A popular e-mail is being circulated about how to easily recognize a stroke. Our research shows that the following information provided in the message is indeed true.

Each year an estimated 600,000 Americans experience strokes, which are interruptions of the blood supply to any part of the brain, resulting in damaged brain tissue. Of these victims, 160,000 die, making stroke the third leading cause of death in the U.S.

Those who survive are often left with lifelong debilitating infirmities of speech, movement, and even thought.

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster for the stroke victim. A stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say any bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

• Ask the individual to smile.
• Ask him or her to raise both arms.
• Ask the person to speak a simple sentence.

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 in February, 2003. (Read the report) Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.