Featured in Good Housekeeping (reprinted with permission)
Because the brain is deprived of oxygen during a stroke, it's important to get medical help quickly. In some instances, giving a person a clot-busting drug within three hours of a stroke's onset can minimize damage. To determine if someone is having a stroke, quickly give him/her this three-part test used by health professionals to help identify stroke patients. If he/she can't respond to any of these simple commands, or if you're not certain what is wrong, call your emergency number.
1. Ask the person to smile
2. Have him/her raise both arms and keep them up.
3. Ask if he/she can repeat a simple sentence after you, such as "The sky is blue".
1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653)
The American Stroke Association is the division of the American Heart Association solely focused on reducing disability and death from stroke through research, education, fundraising and advocacy. Their web site is host to perhaps the most comprehensive archive of stroke related information available on-line.
The Pittsburgh Caregiver Support Network, a 501(c) (3) non profit organization, offers support services to all caregivers of adults in Allegheny County. Community education classes will begin in the Spring of 2009. Internet based support groups are available now at www.pittsburghcsn.org For more information you may also email katharinefitzgerald@pitttsburghcsn.org.
Post Stroke Help is an online resource for therapies that allow stroke victims to control their spasticity and regain normal muscle control after stroke. Leading medical experts created Post Stroke Help to help stroke patients and caregivers work with their doctors to regain control of their muscles - and their lives.
1-888-665-6556
StrokeHelp.com is an online resource to help stroke survivors. Clinicians as well as family members will find the information useful. StrokeHelp.com has topics designed to help families, caregivers and stroke survivors improve their quality of life. Many practical ideas can be found in their Tip of the Week, Frequently Asked Questions, Videos and Resource Information.
1-866-635-7097
This support group was founded in 1981 as the Pittsburgh Head Injury Support group by people that had a common need. The need for support continues for the people injured every day. Survivors, and family members and others continue to need support, information, and communication.
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