On January 2, Kelly Millus awoke at 5 AM to attend to her Christmas puppy, Bentley, and then went back to sleep. Two hours later, her alarm buzzed. "I reached over to shut it off and slid out of bed," she recalls.

She could not feel or move her left side. Her boyfriend Ron called her health plan hotline to describe her symptoms and was told to dial 911. Ms. Millus, 46, had suffered a stroke.

Bedside Diagnosis with TeleStroke
The ambulance rushed Ms. Millus to Auburn Regional Medical Center (ARMC). Vascular neurologist Aaron C. Heide, M.D., ordered an emergency CT scan to determine the stroke's cause. He diagnosed the stroke from his office using the TeleStroke remote telecommunication system.

"Rapid treatment is critical to help prevent extensive long-term complications," Dr. Heide says. "TeleStroke lets us diagnose patients from just about anywhere with a computer and video technology."

A bedside computer terminal showed Dr. Heide talking in real time on one-half of the screen. Ms. Millus' CT scan filled the other. She had a blood clot and part of her brain was not getting oxygen. Soon brain tissue would begin dying. She needed immediate treatment.

Medication and Ultrasound Treatment
The clot-busting drug, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), was started by IV. Ultrasound waves were administered to help break up the clot and restore blood flow to Ms. Millus' brain.

The rapid action resulted in a wonderful recovery. Within one day, she was on her way home to continue celebrating the new year with Bentley, her boyfriend Ron, and her daughter, who at the time was expecting Ms. Millus' first grandchild.

"I am very lucky Ron called 911," she says. "I didn't know the signs of stroke. I might have gone back to bed -- then who knows where I'd be."

Act FAST When Stroke Strikes
Stroke patients should get to the hospital quickly to take advantage of treatment options. Here is how to think FAST about stroke symptoms, from the National Stroke Association:

F is for facial weakness. Your face feels numb or frozen, especially on one side.
A is for arm weakness, especially on one side.
S is for speech problems. You can't speak properly.
T is for time. If you show any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 911 or have someone call an ambulance for you immediately, even if your symptoms disappear. You could be having a mini-stroke, which also needs treatment.

Be Aware of Stroke Symptoms
To learn more about stroke and related symptoms, please visit www.auburnregional.com. Click on Hospital Services P-Z in the left column, and then Stroke.

202 North Division St., Auburn, WA 98001 (253) 833-7711, FAX: (253) 939-2376