With timely treatment, the risk of death and disability from stroke can be lowered. It is very important to know the symptoms of a stroke and act in time.

Stroke is a medical emergency. Know these warning signs of stroke and teach them to others. Every second counts:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience symptoms!
Time lost is brain lost!

Easy test to diagnose a potential stroke:
Administrating 3 simple tests will help diagnose a stroke, or at least suspect it and take immediate action. The key word to remember is think FAST.

F = FACE Ask the person to smile.
Does one side of the face droop?

A = ARM Ask the person to raise both arms.
Does one arm drift downward?

S = SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
Are the words slurred?
Can the person repeat the sentence correctly?

T = TIME If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important.
Call emergency services (911) or get to the hospital fast.
Brain cells are dying.

Once you have learnt to recognize stoke symptoms, do not hesitate to educate others and save lives!

Source:
National Stroke Association

http://www.snopes.com/medical/disease/stroke.asp

http://www.rense.com/general70/strokes.htm