A simple three-part test may mean the difference between life and death, recovery or disability on the part of a stroke victim.
Stroke is a medical emergency. Treatment is available, but only if the stroke is recognized in time. The most common sign of stroke is sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, more often on one side of the body.
Other warning signs may include:
- Sudden numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
- Trouble Walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Drug treatment has been shown to limit the disability from strokes caused by clots (ischemic strokes), but it must be given within three hours of the onset of stroke symptoms. Because of this short time window, it is important that the onset of a stroke be identified quickly.
According to a report presented at the American Stroke Associations 28th International Stroke Conference, a bystander may be able to identify someone having a stroke by asking that person to complete three simple acts:
- to smile
- to raise both arms and keep them up
- to speak a simple sentence coherently
The test, which takes less than one minute, has enabled healthcare professionals to accurately identify stroke patients. If a bystander can relay the results of this test to an emergency dispatcher, it could speed up treatment to the stroke patient. If a friend or family member’s speech unexpectedly becomes slurred or incomprehensible, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. The same is true if one side of someone’s body becomes numb, he or she cannot hold up both arms, or if one side of the face droops down.
Even if the symptoms pass quickly, they could be an important warning that requires prompt medical attention.