It is sometimes difficult to determine whether someone is having a stroke. Here are three simple things to ask the person to do to help you make a determination.

1. Ask the person to smile. Does only one side of the face turn up?

2. Ask the person to raise both arms to shoulder level. Can he raise both arms? Does one arm drift downward?

3. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, such as “The ball is red.” Does he slur his words? Is he able to repeat the sentence at all? Does he appear to understand what you are requesting?

If one or more of these symptoms occur suddenly, it is possible that the person is having a stroke.

Call 911.

Take note of the time and tell the doctor when the symptoms began.

Source: National Stroke Association