[Dysphagia] Symptoms of a stroke (off topic)

[Marie.Isbell at state.tn.us (Marie Isbell)]

This was circulated via email to employees' in a local hospital.  It is
very informational.  Thought I would share.
 
Symptoms of a stroke  (a true story)
 
Susie is recuperating at an incredible pace for someone with a massive
stroke all because Sherry saw Susie stumble - -that is the key that
isn't
mentioned below - and then she asked Susie the 3 questions.
 
This literally saved Susie's life - - Some angel sent it to Susie's
friend and she did just what it said to do.  Susie failed all three so
911 was called.  Even though she had normal blood pressure readings
and
did not appear to be having a stroke, as she could converse to some
extent with the Paramedics, they took her to the hospital right away.
Thank God for the sense to remember the 3 questions!
 
Read and Learn!  Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to
identify.
Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.  The stroke
victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize
the
symptoms of a stroke.  Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a
stroke 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.
 
If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1
immediately and
describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
 
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
May.
Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and
treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage.
 
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10
people, you can bet that at least one life will be saved.
 
BE A FRIEND AND SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE.

 
Marie M. Isbell, MA, CCC-SLP
West TN Regional PNM Team
West TN Regional Office
8383 Wolf Lake Drive
Bartlett, TN 38133
(901) 213-1847
Fax: (901) 372-3460
Marie.Isbell@state.tn.us
 
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