Stroke! Stroke!
Our guest, Michelle Hartshorn, RN from San Joaquin Community Hospital, spoke to our members about identifying symptoms of a stroke (an interruption of blood flow to the brain), different from the mechanical operation of the heart (the pump). A stroke is a "brain attack". It can happen to anyone at any time. It occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die - causing inabilities controlled by that area of the brain to such functions such as loss of memory, speech and muscle control.
Stroke by the Letters
(Face) Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile.
(Arms) Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
(Speech) Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "the sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?
(Time) If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go way, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.