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Re:I Had a Stroke at 33 by mhb on Sunday September 21, 2014 @04:47PM (#8348241)
This advice to not fall asleep is pretty prevalent (at least on TV). Is there a basis for it?
Re:I Had a Stroke at 33 by magicalist on Sunday September 21, 2014 @06:04PM (#8348497)
Not sure about strokes, but it used to be believed that a person with a concussion must be kept awake, but it turns out not to make a difference. It's still a fairly common trope in movies and on tv, though.

One source on that: http://www.uamshealth.com/?id=10724

Re:I Had a Stroke at 33 by Retric on Sunday September 21, 2014 @07:08PM (#8348628)
It's useful to detect problems not prevent them. One of the symptoms of interracial pressure, a significant risk with head injury, is drowsiness. But, other symptoms are also fairly easy to detect in a responsive patent. However, in cases of significant head injury this can be directly monitored allowing the patent to sleep.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000793.htm

PS: From you link "If the person who is injured is awake and holding a conversation, you can let him or her fall asleep as long as they are not developing any other symptoms such as dilated pupils or issues with walking. "

Re:I Had a Stroke at 33 by pragone on Sunday September 21, 2014 @07:09PM (#8348631)
The most important thing about staying awake is that a more complete neurological exam can be performed. There's always ways to wake someone up, but the unfortunate part is that any treatment may alter the results of neuro tests
Re:I Had a Stroke at 33 by sigterm on Sunday September 21, 2014 @05:34PM (#8348396)
Would love to know this too. I have always thought it might have to do with being able to communicate with the medical staff to get a better assessment.