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Old 04-11-2008, 04:13 PM
Helen Smith Helen Smith is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 10
15 yr Member
Helen Smith Helen Smith is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 10
15 yr Member
Default How to know if someone is having a stroke and what to do

If a person can't talk, she may be having a stroke which is a medical emergency.

I have episodes of aphasia which are not stroke. My neuro told me that when the episodes occur, I should always go to the er because even though I have non stroke aphasia, I could still have aphasia as a symptom of stroke so the events should be assessed in an er in case stroke treatment is warranted.

Here's the problem. If I go to the er, I am always asked if I have ever had aphasia before. As soon as I confirm that I have, the triage nurse decides that I am not having a stroke. No exam is performed. Sometimes, I don't see a doctor until well past three hours. Once I was actually thrown out of the er altogether.

I feel like the boy who cried wolf. Most likely the event is not a stroke but if it is , I won't receive appropriate care within sufficient time. Any thoughts on what to do?
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