Jakarta, There is an assumption that first aid for people who have a stroke is to pierce their ears with a needle. It is said that this is to prevent severe bleeding in the brain. Unfortunately there is no scientific evidence to substantiate these claims and doctors don't even recommend it. Blood that comes out when the ear is pierced by a needle is believed to reduce the volume of blood flowing around the brain. Reduced blood volume will lower its pressure, so the risk of bleeding due to ruptured blood vessels will decrease. But a stroke expert from Florida, Jose Vega MD, PhD insists that a doctor is unlikely to suggest that. The best step when a stroke occurs is to immediately call an ambulance, so that the victim can get better help at the hospital. Within 3 hours, stroke people should get t-PA (a drug to break up blood clots). Every minute is precious so never waste time, said Dr John Vega in his writings as quoted from About.com, Wednesday (06/08/2011). Piercing the ear with a needle until it bleeds will not treat a stroke triggered by a blood clot, also known as an ischemic stroke. Even though his ear was bleeding, the brain still didn't get oxygen because the blood vessels were still blocked. As for strokes due to brain bleeding or hemorrhagic strokes, until now there is no scientific evidence that ear piercing can help. This method actually risks triggering infection if the needle is not sterile, or uncontrolled bleeding if the puncture method is wrong. Stroke occurs when brain cells are damaged due to interrupted blood supply, either due to blockage or other causes. Different causes, different handling so it is impossible to do it alone without the help of sophisticated monitoring tools such as in a hospital. Given that there are various types of stroke and each has different trigger factors, the best step is to take the patient to the hospital as soon as possible. At the hospital, the doctor will examine and determine the most appropriate type of therapy.