When Stroke Strikes, No Time to Waste: Rapid Recognition and Reaction Turn Tide

05.01.2011

I remember feeling paralyzed on my right side. I wasn't frightened because I didn't understand what was going on.

-Chris McLachlin, stroke patient at Stanford Stroke Center

It took a year, but McLachlin recovered nearly all of his abilities. He's been well enough to fill in as a coach for the past two years with the Stanford University Men's Volleyball team. He always does the warm-ups with the team.

When McLachlin had his stroke, friends recognized immediately what it was and called 911. Getting help quickly can make the difference between recovery and disability.

Stanford's a big campus, so I do a lot of walking. I still play tennis and golf when I can.

-Chris McLachlin, stroke patient at Stanford Stroke Center

McLachlin has become an active advocate for steps people can take to keep track of their health, like regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks.

We have imaging tools that allow for rapid and real-time elucidation of information that tells us just what's happened to the brain.

-Neil Schwartz, MD, PhD, Stanford Stroke Center
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