Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke .

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking four simple questions:

1. Ask the individual to SMILE.
2. Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE coherently.
   (i.e. It is sunny out today)
3. Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
4. Ask the person to STICK OUT HIS TONGUE.
   If the tongue is crooked, if it goes to one side, that is also an indication of a stroke.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.