http://news.yahoo.com/video/health-15749655/24186960#video=24197100
This video footage comes from the 2011 Grammy Awards. Serene Branson, a news anchor from California, starts to discuss the excitement of the event, but then suddenly begins to slur her words and speak nonsense. Social media was abuzz. Why did she mess up? Was she confused? Did she speak another language? A lot of people had a lot of theories but very few recognized the confused language as a neurological symptom, possibly a symptom of stroke.
Though the press release issued by her news station denies a stroke, Serene’s speech was characteristic of the “confused, jumbled speech” seen during a stroke. The purpose of pointing this out and watching this video is not to analyze this particular situation, but to help identify signs of stroke when they occur. Strokes can happen to anyone at any time. It is imperative to know these signs and to immediately seek help if they happen to you or someone you know.
The American Heart Association has done extensive marketing to teach Americans the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Most adults could name the common signs – chest pain, discomfort in the upper body (particularly in the left arm), and shortness of breath. But could most adults name the symptoms of stroke?
New education programs have been developed to further educate Americans about the symptoms of stroke and what to do if a person does have these symptoms. Stroke is the third leading cause of death of Americans according to the Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/lcod.htm). It is also a leading cause of long-term injury. In my practice as a speech pathologist, I have seen strokes in patients ranging from 27 years to 92 years. No matter your age or current health condition, it is imperative to know the signs and symptoms of stroke. If you or someone in your environment shows any of these symptoms, DON’T WAIT – CALL 911 immediately. According to the American Heart Association, the following are signs of stroke:
SUDDEN:
- NUMBNESS OR WEAKNESS OF THE FACE, ARM OR LEG, ESPECIALLY ON ONE SIDE OF THE BODY.
- CONFUSION, TROUBLE SPEAKING OR UNDERSTANDING
- TROUBLE SEEING IN ONE OR BOTH EYES
- TROUBLE WALKING, DIZZINESS, LOSS OF BALANCE OR COORDINATION
- SEVERE HEADACHE WITH NO KNOWN CAUSE
It is important to immediately get medical help if someone experiences any of these signs because certain medications can only be administered if the symptoms have occurred for less than 3 hours. The medications available in the emergency room can significantly decrease overall mortality and long term injury if given in the right amount of time. The new slogan of the American Stroke Association reminds us of the importance of knowing these symptoms and immediately obtaining care: “Learn to recognize a stroke. Because time lost is brain lost.”
For more information on stroke identification and prevention, the Veterans Association has a website with sources for patients and family members:
http://www.rorc.research.va.gov/rescue/stroke-information/about-stroke.cfm
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association also has informative handouts:
http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/General/Patient-Information-Sheets_UCM_310731_Article.jsp
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