Strokes: Preventing With Needles And Other Methods

A stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is an interruption in the blood supply to the brain. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent permanent damage or death. There have been various claims circulating on social media and via email that pricking a stroke victim's fingers and earlobes with a needle can help delay symptoms and save their life. However, medical professionals have strongly advised against this, stating that it is dangerously misleading information and could delay urgent treatment, which is critical in improving the outcome for stroke patients. While there is limited research suggesting that finger-pricking may have some benefits in patients who have already been hospitalized, it is not an effective first-aid response and can waste valuable time.

Pricking fingers is not first aid for a stroke

It is a common misconception that pricking a stroke victim's fingers with a needle can help delay symptoms. This claim, which has been circulating in various forms since at least 2006, is false and can be harmful.

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by an interruption of blood supply to the brain. It requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage or death. Every second counts when treating a stroke, and delaying medical treatment, even for a few minutes, can have severe consequences.

The claim that pricking a stroke victim's fingers with a needle is based on the idea that it relieves blood pressure and eases symptoms. However, this has no scientific basis and can waste valuable time, as the only thing that can help during a stroke is emergency medical treatment.

Forcing a stroke victim to sit up, as suggested in some of these claims, can actually cause a drop in blood pressure, making it even more harmful. Instead, it is recommended to help the person lie down.

Furthermore, pricking the fingers with a needle can be dangerous, as it can cause pain and potentially raise the patient's blood pressure, worsening the stroke. Additionally, if the needles are not sterile, there is a risk of infection.

The best course of action when someone is showing signs of a stroke is to call an ambulance and get them to a hospital as quickly as possible. The American Heart and Stroke Association recommends using the acronym F-A-S-T to spot the signs of a stroke:

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call emergency services

Recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly by calling for emergency medical help is crucial. Do not fall for misleading claims about alternative treatments, such as pricking fingers with needles.

The dangers of delaying treatment for a stroke victim

Delaying treatment for a stroke victim can have serious, life-threatening consequences. Strokes occur when there is a sudden interruption of the blood supply to an area of the brain, and they can be fatal or leave the victim with serious disabilities.

Time is of the essence when it comes to treating strokes. For every minute that passes, approximately one million nerve cells die in the brain. The sooner a stroke victim receives medical treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be. Emergency medical treatment within the first few hours of a stroke can minimise long-term effects and even prevent death.

There are several factors that can cause delays in stroke treatment, including a lack of awareness about stroke symptoms, financial constraints, and a lack of infrastructure and trained medical staff. In some cases, people may try unproven alternative treatments, such as pricking the fingertips and earlobes with needles, which can further delay urgent medical care.

It is crucial to recognise the symptoms of a stroke and seek immediate medical help. The American Heart and Stroke Associations recommend using the acronym FAST to spot strokes:

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call emergency services

Public education, improved pre-hospital emergency medical systems, and better in-hospital stroke care can help reduce delays in stroke treatment and improve patient outcomes.

The origin of the finger-pricking myth

The idea that pricking a stroke victim's fingers with a needle can help them has been circulating for over a decade. It originated in 2006 as a widely circulated chain email that recommended pricking the fingertips of a stroke victim to relieve their blood pressure and ease their symptoms. The email also suggested that forcing the victim to sit up could help, but this can actually cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

The hoax has resurfaced multiple times since then, most recently in the form of Facebook posts and videos, which have been shared and viewed by millions of people worldwide. The posts attribute the advice to "Chinese medicine and professors", but medical professionals practising both Chinese and Western medicine have refuted this claim.

The finger-pricking technique has some basis in Eastern medicine. In 2005, the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine tested the regime and found that pricking the fingers and earlobes "can improve the consciousness of patients" with mild strokes. However, it is important to note that the participants in this study had already been in the hospital for up to three days, so the technique has not been tested as a first-aid treatment for acute strokes.

According to medical experts, the best course of action for someone showing signs of a stroke is to call an ambulance and get them to a hospital as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence when it comes to treating strokes, as the sooner the person receives emergency medical treatment, the better the outcome.

How to recognise a stroke

Recognising the signs of a stroke is important because stroke treatments are time-sensitive. The faster a person receives treatment, the higher their chances of survival and lower chances of disability.

The FAST test is a commonly used abbreviation to help people recognise the symptoms of a stroke. Some health educators add two more steps to the checklist, calling it BE FAST.

F is for Face

Ask the person to smile and see if one side of their face droops. This could be a sign of muscle weakness or paralysis, which often shows up on just one side of the body.

A is for Arms

Ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm drops down, this could be another sign of one-sided weakness.

S is for Speech

Ask the person to say a short phrase and check for slurred or strange speech. A stroke can make it difficult for a person to talk clearly or choose their words.

T is for Time

If you observe any of the above signs, call 911 right away. Remember to note the time when you first noticed any of these stroke warning signs.

B is for Balance

Loss of balance is a possible stroke sign.

E is for Eyes

Someone having a stroke may suddenly experience loss of vision in one or both eyes or blurry vision.

Other warning signs of a stroke include:

• Numbness, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion or trouble understanding others
• Clumsiness or poor coordination
• Severe headache with no known cause
• Loss or dimming of any senses, including smell and taste

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately, even if the symptoms go away. Do not attempt to drive yourself or the person experiencing these symptoms to the hospital. Call an ambulance so that paramedics can begin treatment as soon as possible.

How to prevent a stroke

Pricking a stroke victim's fingers with a needle will not prevent or stop a stroke. In fact, it is a dangerous hoax that has been circulating for years, and following this advice can do harm. The only way to help a stroke victim is to seek emergency medical treatment.

Lower blood pressure

High blood pressure is the biggest contributor to the risk of stroke in both men and women. Monitoring blood pressure and, if it is elevated, treating it is probably the biggest difference people can make to their vascular health.

Your goal: An ideal blood pressure is less than 120/80. However, this may not be realistic for everyone, and a less aggressive goal may be more appropriate. For example, a target of no higher than 140/90 may be more suitable for some people.

To achieve this:

• Reduce your salt intake to no more than 1,500 milligrams a day (about a half teaspoon).
• Avoid high-cholesterol foods such as burgers, cheese, and ice cream.
• Eat 4 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables every day, with one serving of fish two to three times a week. Also include several daily servings of whole grains and low-fat dairy.
• Get more exercise—at least 30 minutes of activity a day, and more if possible.
• If needed, take blood pressure medication.
• Losing weight can also help lower blood pressure. Even losing as little as 10 pounds can have a real impact on your stroke risk.

Drink alcohol in moderation

Drinking a small amount of alcohol, such as one drink per day, is okay. However, once you start drinking more than two drinks per day, your risk of stroke increases sharply.

Your goal: Don't drink alcohol, or do so in moderation.

To achieve this:

• Have no more than one glass of alcohol per day.
• Red wine may be a good choice, as some studies suggest it might help prevent heart disease and stroke.
• Watch your portion sizes. A standard drink is a 5-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce beer, or a 1.5-ounce glass of hard liquor.

Treat atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a form of irregular heartbeat that causes clots to form in the heart. These clots can travel to the brain and cause a stroke. It carries a nearly fivefold risk of stroke and should be taken seriously.

Your goal: If you have atrial fibrillation, get it treated.

To achieve this:

• See your doctor if you have symptoms such as heart palpitations or shortness of breath.
• You may need to take an anticoagulant drug (blood thinner) to reduce your stroke risk. Your doctor can guide you through this treatment.

Quit smoking

Smoking accelerates clot formation by thickening the blood and increasing plaque buildup in the arteries. Quitting smoking is one of the most powerful lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your stroke risk.

Your goal: Stop smoking.

To achieve this:

• Ask your doctor for advice on the best way to quit.
• Use quit-smoking aids such as nicotine pills or patches, counselling, or medication.
• Don't give up—most smokers need several attempts before they succeed. See each attempt as progress towards beating the habit.

Frequently asked questions