Then, they must call 911 and get to a hospital quickly. The sooner they begin receiving treatment, the better their chances for a complete recovery. In many cases, because stroke attacks the brain, a person experiencing stroke will not realize a stroke is occurring. But the people around them can recognize the symptoms and act fast. Candidates can receive certain stroke therapies only if they can verify the onset of their symptoms to within three hours of arriving at the hospital.
Many people avoid stroke because they treat their high blood pressure and stop smoking.
But of those who do have strokes, few receive treatment. The Cleveland Area Experience. JAMA, March 1, 2000. Vol 283, No. 9.