                                       SECTION XIV
                                         STROKE


Stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted long
enough to cause damage.

This may be caused by a clot formed in an artery in the brain or
carried to the brain in the bloodstream, a ruptured artery in the
brain or by compression of an artery in the brain, as found
with brain tumors.

First aid consists primarily of recognizing signs and symptoms and
seeking professional attention.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A STROKE INCLUDE:

              * WEAKNESS AND NUMBNESS OF THE FACE, ARM,
                OR LEG, OFTEN ON ONE SIDE OF THE BODY ONLY.

              * DIZZINESS

              * CONFUSION

              * HEADACHE

              * RINGING IN THE EARS

              * A CHANGE OF MOOD

              * DIFFICULTY SPEAKING

              * UNCONSCIOUSNESS

              * PUPILS OF UNEVEN SIZE

              * DIFFICULTY IN BREATHING & SWALLOWING

              * LOSS OF BOWEL AND BLADDER CONTROL


                            

IF YOU SUSPECT A PERSON IS HAVING A STROKE, HAVE THEM STOP
WHATEVER
THEY ARE DOING AND REST.                                          
                                                                 
PROMPTLY OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL HELP. REASSURE THE VICTIM AND KEEP
THEM COMFORTABLE. DO NOT GIVE ANYTHING BY  MOUTH. IF THE VICTIM
VOMITS, ALLOW FOR FLUIDS TO DRAIN FROM THE MOUTH. OBSERVE
CAREFULLY
WHILE AWAITING PROFESSIONAL HELP AND, IF TRAINED TO DO SO,
MONITOR
THE AIRWAY, BREATHING AND CIRCULATION  AND BE PREPARED TO
ADMINISTER RESCUE BREATHING OR CPR, IF REQUIRED!





               
