Recognizing a Stroke

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. A victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms.

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

1. Ask the individual to SMILE.


2. Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.


3. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE. (Coherently) (An example: It is sunny out today)

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. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment and prevent brain damage.

We have checked this out at www.snopes.com and it is true.

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