Stroke Recognition: 3 Simple Signs

Ask a suspected Stroke victim to:

SMILE

RAISE BOTH HANDS

SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE

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

After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, medical researchers urged the general public to learn these three questions. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting (February 2004). They suggest that widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.

Neurologists advise that the first three (3) hours after a stroke are critical to minimizing or preventing the potentially devastating effects of a stroke. The trick is recognizing that a stroke has occurred, and then getting medical attention to the patient within 3 hours, which is tough.

Doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

1. Ask the individual to SMILE.
2. Ask the individual to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3. Ask the individual 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.