When someone is having a stroke, time is of essence. In fact, the longer a person waits to seek treatment for a stroke, the greater the risk of permanent brain damage, disability or even death.

Disabilities caused by stroke can be limited or even eliminated if treatment is given within the first three hours of the onset of symptoms.

At Glendale Adventist Medical Center (GAMC), a team of physicians and stroke specialists are dedicated to ensuring that the amount of time that passes between stroke and treatment is minimal.

Their goal is to diagnose and treat a person showing symptoms of stroke within 60 minutes of arrival at the hospital.

Regardless of how an acute stroke patient enters the hospital, GAMC's stroke alert team is ready to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The team includes emergency physicians, neurologists, nurses and imaging technicians.

Each member of the team is highly trained and performs a critical function, resulting in faster treatment times and, ultimately, better outcomes and shorter hospital stays.

GAMC's stroke alert team is only one component of its state-of-the-art, dedicated stroke center.

In fact, GAMC, is the only hospital in the area to have all of the components of a primary stroke center, and covers all facets of stroke treatment, from the initial onset of symptoms to recovery and rehabilitation.

While rapid treatment of stroke is critical to a good outcome, it is also crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke and seek immediate medical treatment.

Signs of stroke include:

* - Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body.

* - Confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding speech.

* - Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes

* - Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance of coordination

* - Sudden severe headache with no known cause

If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Remember that every minute counts.

For more information on GAMC's stroke Center or Neuroscience Institute, call (818) 409-8100 or visit www.glendaleadventist.com/heart.