When a patient presents with symptoms of a stroke, time is of the essence. Strokes occur, after all, when there is no blood making it to a certain part of the brain. If that tissue is deprived of blood and oxygen for too long without prompt treatment, it will die, and the patient in question could suffer permanent brain damage. In addition to catastrophic brain injuries, they could also lose the function of some of their limbs or have lifelong difficulties with speech, all depending on which part of the brain is impacted.