June 2004
Stroke?
According to the 2000 year American census information, derived directly from official death certificates, the number two cause of death in America is stroke, or cerebral attack. Every year thousands of Americans die from this malady. Thousands of others suffer debilitating limitations as a result of surviving a stroke.
Research has proven that if one is treated immediately when experiencing a stroke the chances of survival and full recovery are vastly improved. There are now known methods for reducing the brain swelling and opening circulatory vessels that will stop or reverse the devastating works of cerebral attack. In order for these treatments to be effective, however, one must receive them soon after the attack begins. It is most beneficial for persons to be able to recognize the early signs of a stroke. During a recent annual meeting of the American Stroke Association researchers urged people to make quick observations of a person experiencing difficulty or unusual behavior in order to assess the possibility of a stroke in process. The goal is to identify facial weakness, arm weakness, and speech problems—the most frequent areas of stroke damage, or indicators of brain malfunction. Three simple questions may help:
- Ask the person to smile.
- Ask the person to raise both arms.
- Ask the person to speak a short sentence.
Should the person having difficulty not be able to perform these functions, a call for emergency help is indicated. Such early detection can lead to quick treatment and the prevention of brain damage or death from stroke.