Comments on: Public Service Announcement: Stroke Recognition

By: SteveSadlov

SteveSadlov — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:27:17 +0000

There is an art film nearing the end of its run, the Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Very, very sobering. Without giving away the plot, a stroke is a key element. STR (so that you don’t have to deal with “ABC” later, on someone who is in an imminently life threatening scenario).

By: Evan Jones

Evan Jones — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:57:34 +0000

I have a good friend who suffered a minor stroke, possibly several. He had also had a heart attack and apparently never noticed.

He had to quit his job, which involved a lot of footwork, and his activities are somewhat restricted, but at least he is not severely handicapped and did not sufffer mental imparement. Nonetheless, he is ill and would have been better off had he been diagnosed earlier.

His symptoms included a sensation of part of his body “falling asleep” (you know, that tingly feeling you get when you sleep on your arm), which is a signal that blood flow is not getting through.

Thanks for posting this, I will take note.

And I am very sorry to hear about your friend; you, yours, and hers have my condolences.

By: Jeff in Seattle

Jeff in Seattle — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:34:39 +0000

Very interesting info!

How high should they raise their arms?

REPLY: I don’t know for sure, no reference was provided. A typical physician test for a variety of conditions is to raise arms over your head, straight up. I’d go with that.

By: Bern Bray

Bern Bray — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:32:51 +0000

Thanks for publishing this Rev.
My mother had sent that to me, and she is the victim of two major strokes. Each time, she did not understand what was happening to her, and now she is living daily with physical disabilities.
Please don’t be afraid to try these tests on persons of any age. A little embarrassment if you are wrong is far, far outweighed by a lifetime of regret if your family or friends are afflicted.