Blood Clots/Stroke - They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue
The golden rules for getting help to a stroke victim are well publicized – the importance of being able to recognize the ‘FAST’ symptoms are ingrained in most peoples’ minds and as we all get older, these telltale signs of stroke – Face; Arms; Speech and the last sign – the one that is likely to ultimately save a stroke victim’s life – TIME.
Time is of the essence when helping a stroke victim. Baby boomers getting speedy, professional and effective treatment for someone who is having a stroke can make the difference between saving a small part of their brain function or ninety per cent of it!
Psychological articles note that so many stroke victims die because nobody managed to recognize their symptoms in time for professional help to be effective. Seeing someone stumble and fall at a party and then be unable to eat their food or speak coherently might be more serious than first realised – baby boomers who were the life and soul of the gathering might suddenly fall silent – paying attention to these matters is of paramount importance when dealing with a suspected stroke.
Another indication of stroke is whether a person is able to stick out their tongue without it falling helplessly to one side of their mouth – don’t be shy and ask your friend to show you their tongue if you feel they are behaving strangely in your company. Asking someone to recite a simple sentence is a real giveaway if they cannot do it properly – if they can’t, don’t waste time and get help by ringing 911 straight away, whether they object or not. Baby boomers socializing regularly will see a greater incidence of stroke amongst friends as they get older. The older we get, the more likely we are to see our friends and family fall victim to this viciously fast moving disease.
Psychological articles recognize that the fourth sign is not actually a symptom but the spark that sets off the help process; the all important decision to call for professional medical assistance. Too often, nobody calls 911, anxious not to waste the time of the emergency services and worried they might be getting it wrong and simply over reacting to the behavior of a person who has had too much to drink.
The symptoms of stroke are clearly obvious. Someone who is drunk will probably not be displaying the one sided tongue, as well as the inability to complete a full sentence, to smile, and to raise the arms successfully. Baby boomers, at middle and old age, will have seen the symptoms of drunkenness all too often. Stroke symptoms are quite distinct. Be brave – call 911 for a friend if you suspect they have the symptoms of stroke.
FAST: Signs of Stroke
Please read and share this article on The Fourth Sign – The Lifesaver for Stroke Victimsas well as BoomerYearbook’s The Signs of Stroke and What to do When They Appear-which is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of baby boomers psychological coaching tips and how to alleviate elderly problems. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.
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