How to Identify a Stroke: This Knowledge Could Save a Life.

It happened at a fancy dinner party. A very well dressed woman stumbled and fell to the floor and everyone was freaking out at her, but she quickly got up and smiled as she brushed it off, " The new heels got caught on the tiles ". Someone told her to call an ambulance, but she refused! She looked very calm, even went back to her plate and put some food on it, and stayed at the party the rest of the evening.


But there was something off. She was a little shaky, not her usual self. The next day around noon her husband called to say she was in the hospital, and that by 6pm that day the devastation was over -- she had died.


Later on doctors realized she had a stroke right at the time of the incident. If somebody around her had known how to look for these symptoms of a stroke she might be here today.


But it isn't the only story here. Every year millions of people all over the world have a stroke, many of which are fatal or permanently crippling. What's sad, is that those are "mistakes" that can be prevented if only people around the victim knew the warning signs and got on the act right away.


What Is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.


There are two main types:


Ischemic stroke: Caused by a blocked artery (most common).


Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by a leaking or burst blood vessel.
Stroke are medical emergencies; early intervention can minimize brain damage and save lives.


The Critical 3-Hour Window


If the patient is treated within 3 hours of receiving the stroke, there is a far greater chance of recovery and survival, doctors say, but "to be effective you need to be aware of the stroke immediately".


Here’s where public awareness becomes vital.


What Happens After A Stroke: The ‘S – T – R’ Test


It can also be almost as simple as asking the person to do 3 simple things: S – T – R. It 's called the S – T – R test.


S – Smile:
I suggest asking him to smile, and if one side of his face drops off or doesn't move evenly then that 's a red flag.


T – Talk:
Just ask them to say something simple like " today is a beautiful day " Slurred or garbled speech is often a sign of a stroke.

 R – Raise both arms:
Ask them to lift both arms at the same time. If one arm falls back or cannot be raised it 's another red flag.


Bonus Test: The Tongue Check


Make the person stick their tongue out, if it is crooked or one side of the tongue leans in you 'll know for sure.


Other Common Symptoms Include:
- sudden numbness or weakness in particular on one side of the body


Sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech


Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes


Loss of balance, coordination, or sudden dizziness


Severe headache with no known cause









What To Do If You Suspect a Stroke


1. Call emergency services immediately (e.g., 911).
Never wait to "see if it gets better."




2. Note the time when symptoms first appeared.
This helps doctors decide on the best treatment.




3. Keep the person calm and still.
Don’t let them eat, drink, or move unnecessarily.




4. Tell all responders any relevant medical history including diabetes, blood pressure, medications, etc.











Why This Matters


They're lost so many lives just because there were people around who didn't notice what was happening. A stroke is not always so gruesome. Sometimes as in the story above it 's actually rather subtle - as in a stumble, a slurred word or general tiredness. Those little signs are the brain just screaming for help.


Knowing the cause and seeing it quickly can save your life / death or have permanent disability.




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Final Thoughts


It 's probably the most simple information out there. But as soon as you understand these signs of possible signs of suicide, you can help save a life - perhaps that of someone you love.


So don't keep this information to yourself. Share it with your family, friends, co - workers, and community. Encourage them to learn the S – T – R method! You never know when you 'll be the only person who recognizes what is going on.


Be aware. Be ready. Be a lifesaver.