By ANAHAD O'CONNOR Published: November 21, 2006 THE CLAIM --
Pricking a stroke victim's fingers can help delay symptoms. THE
FACTS -- A recent, widely circulated e-mail message proposes an
unusual way to help the victim of a stroke. ''Help the victim
sit up to prevent him from falling over,'' the message states.
''Then sterilize a needle and use it to prick the tip of the
person's finger. After a few minutes, the victim should regain
consciousness.'' The message says that doing this somehow
relieves blood pressure and eases symptoms. Like most medical
advice dispensed in the form of a chain e-mail message, it has
no scientific basis. In fact, following its advice can do harm.
Forcing a stroke victim to sit up is never a good idea, because
it can cause a drop in blood pressure, says Dr. Larry B.
Goldstein, director of the Duke Stroke Center. It would be
better to help the person lie down. Pricking the victim's finger
is also a bad idea, not only because it is futile, but because
doing so can delay medical trea