Although a stroke is always a medical emergency and time lost equals brain cells and function lost, as many as 97 percent of American adults do not know the symptoms of a stroke. The American Stroke Association is attempting to educate the public about the signs of a stroke, with the goal of having the general public become as knowledgeable about the symptoms of a stroke as they are with those of a heart attack.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine developed this one-minute, three-step stroke assessment test to enable bystanders and first line emergency responders to quickly screen for a possible stroke diagnosis.
Step 1: Ask person to "smile broadly, showing your teeth." (This "smile test" is to look for one-sided facial weakness or paralysis.)
Step 2: Ask person to close their eyes, raise their arms in front of them and hold them out for a count of ten. (This is to test for arm or leg weakness or paralysis, dizziness, or loss of balance.)
Step 3: Ask person to repeat a simple phrase, such as "Don't cry over spilled milk." (This is check for difficulty speaking or understanding speech or basic instructions.)
This simple three-step test screens for the most common signs and symptoms of a stroke. Taking fast action will help improve the treatment and the outcome for stroke victims. The only approved medication to stop or reverse strokes must be given within three hours after the stroke begins. A stroke or suspected stroke is always a medical emergency and anyone exhibiting signs of a stroke should receive immediate medical attention.
The developers of the three-step test verified its accuracy by teaching it to 100 healthy bystanders. They received training and then performed the test on stroke survivors. They demonstrated 97 percent accuracy in detecting arm weakness, 96 percent accuracy in detecting speech problems and 74 percent accuracy in detecting facial weakness. Researchers attributed this to the difficulty in assessing a stranger's smile, noting that a family member or someone familiar with the patient would be more likely notice facial weakness.
Critics of the test point out that some of the other common signs and symptoms, such as headache, vision problems, sudden numbness, trouble walking and difficulty with coordination, are overlooked by the test.
I think this simple test could go a long way in educating the public about the signs of stroke and the urgency of seeking immediate treatment. I would like to see this simple test added to CPR training, with the caveat that anyone who has sudden neurological or behavioral problems should seek immediate medical assistance.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill School of Medicine developed this one-minute, three-step stroke assessment test to enable bystanders and first line emergency responders to quickly screen for a possible stroke diagnosis.
Step 1: Ask person to "smile broadly, showing your teeth." (This "smile test" is to look for one-sided facial weakness or paralysis.)
Step 2: Ask person to close their eyes, raise their arms in front of them and hold them out for a count of ten. (This is to test for arm or leg weakness or paralysis, dizziness, or loss of balance.)
Step 3: Ask person to repeat a simple phrase, such as "Don't cry over spilled milk." (This is check for difficulty speaking or understanding speech or basic instructions.)
This simple three-step test screens for the most common signs and symptoms of a stroke. Taking fast action will help improve the treatment and the outcome for stroke victims. The only approved medication to stop or reverse strokes must be given within three hours after the stroke begins. A stroke or suspected stroke is always a medical emergency and anyone exhibiting signs of a stroke should receive immediate medical attention.
The developers of the three-step test verified its accuracy by teaching it to 100 healthy bystanders. They received training and then performed the test on stroke survivors. They demonstrated 97 percent accuracy in detecting arm weakness, 96 percent accuracy in detecting speech problems and 74 percent accuracy in detecting facial weakness. Researchers attributed this to the difficulty in assessing a stranger's smile, noting that a family member or someone familiar with the patient would be more likely notice facial weakness.
Critics of the test point out that some of the other common signs and symptoms, such as headache, vision problems, sudden numbness, trouble walking and difficulty with coordination, are overlooked by the test.
I think this simple test could go a long way in educating the public about the signs of stroke and the urgency of seeking immediate treatment. I would like to see this simple test added to CPR training, with the caveat that anyone who has sudden neurological or behavioral problems should seek immediate medical assistance.
