IN BRIEF (Page 19)

Heed signs of stroke

Far too few people recognize the first signs of a stroke, experts from Germany's Dresden University Hospital warn. Signs include sudden weakness, deafness or paralysis, vision or speech problems, a dazed feeling and dizziness.

The sooner victims receive treatment, the greater their chances of surviving a cerebrovascular accident without lasting brain damage, the experts say. A person experiencing stroke symptoms should seek immediate medical assistance.