The Stroke Unit at Munson Medical Center is a specially designated 23-bed stroke unit. Its development increases health benefits for patients and reduces their time in rehabilitation. This means that patients go home much quicker. Typically, a patient will remain in the unit for five or six days.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that brings oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot or other particle. This rupture or blockage keeps part of the brain from getting the oxygen it needs. Without oxygen, nerve cells in the affected area can't function and will die within minutes. The part of the body that these brain cells control also can not function, which can lead to death.

The staff of the Stroke Unit has been specially trained to work with stroke patients. Their focus, education, and experiences in caring for stroke patients have made them "Stroke Experts," capable of handling any situation and providing their patients the exact care they need.

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke accounts for one of every 14.3 deaths in the United States. It's estimated that someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 53 seconds and someone dies of one every 3.1 minutes. These numbers can be reduced if people learn more about strokes and the symptoms, which include:

• Face — Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms — Ask the person to hold both arms up evenly. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech — Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are their words slurred or mixed up?
• Time — If the person shows any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. Brain cells are dying.

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