Recognising a stroke: face, arm, speech, and no time lost

What a stroke is A stroke happens when the blood flow to part of the brain suddenly stops, or a blood vessel bursts. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance of less damage to the brain. So every minute counts.

Look for three signs - Face: ask them to smile. Does one side of the face droop or twist? - Arm: ask them to raise both arms in front. Is one arm weak, numb, or drifting down? - Speech: ask them to say a simple sentence. Is the speech slurred, unclear, or are they unable to understand?

If any one of these appears suddenly, lose no time. Go to hospital even if the signs pass after a while.

Other signs it may bring Sudden blurred sight in one or both eyes, sudden dizziness or staggering when walking, tingling or numbness on one side of the body, a sudden, very severe headache.

What to do - Without delay, take them to the nearest hospital that treats stroke; for an ambulance, 999. - Note or write down the time the signs began; this matters a great deal to the doctor. - Take a list of the medicines they take, or their prescriptions. - If they lose consciousness but are breathing, lay them on their side.

What not to do - Give no food, water or medicine by mouth; a stroke can affect swallowing, and food can go into the airway. - Give no medicine on your own without a doctor's advice. - Lose no time on charms, oil massage, or "let's wait and see".

Lowering the risk Have your blood pressure checked regularly and take the medicine the doctor gives regularly, keep diabetes under control, give up smoking and tobacco, eat less salt, and walk regularly. A doctor by phone: Shasthya Batayon 16263.