When you have a stroke most people do not realize what has happened. If you have fallen, you can explain it away many different ways. I was clumsy I tripped over my own 2 feet. I tripped over a hole in the yard. I stumbled over something on the floor. You could be fine for hours until the horror that you are not alright finally hits.  

I if you could identify a stroke when it happens and get immediately to the emergency room within 3 hours you have a very good chance of a complete recovery. If you can not identify a stroke immediately the consequences could be life threatening and severe brain damage.

There are 4 ways to identify a stroke.

(1)   Look at the persons tongue. Have the person in question stick our their tongue. Is it crooked? Does it go to the left or right.

(2)   Ask the person in question to raise both arms.

(3)   Ask the person to smile.

(4)   Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

If one or all of these questions are not correct call 911. There is a 3 hour window to get the person who has had a stroke to the emergency room and get the correct medical treatment.

This is a life and death situation. Acting fast and good common sense is the key to saving your loved ones life.

Thank you for reading my article. Please feel free to read any of my numerous articles on many numerous subjects.

Copyright Linda E. Meckler 2009