A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within three hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke.
However, a stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by having the person do four simple things:
Ask the individual, SMILE.
Ask the person to SAY a simple sentence.
Ask him or her, RAISE both arms.
Ask him or her, STICK out your tongue. If the tongue goes to one side --that is also an indication of a stroke.
A crooked smile, garbled speech, weakness in either arm or an off-center tongue indicates a probable stroke. Strokes can be fixed - or can lead to crippling or death.
If he or she has trouble with ANY of these tasks, get medical advice immediately.