This article is sponsored by UConn Health. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC Connecticut’s editorial staff. To learn more about UConn Health, visit health.uconn.edu.

“Thank goodness I was only five miles from UConn,” said Carl, a stroke patient who was treated by Dr. Sanjay Mittal and his team at UConn Health’s Stroke Center after suffering a stroke.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Carl remembers the day he suffered a stroke as his 5-year-old son was sitting in his lap.

“I was sitting in a chair, and I turned to my wife and in a calm voice I said, honey please call 911; I believe I’m having a stroke,” Carl said.

“We are a primary stroke center here at UConn Health. In Carl’s case, there was a stroke team ready to receive him,” said Dr. Sanjay Mittal, medical director of the Stroke Center at UConn Health.

Upon conducting initial tests and treating Carl for his stroke, the team at UConn discovered that Carl’s left carotid artery was clogged. This required immediate surgery to unclog the artery.

“The level of care was excellent, but the timing was something that really impressed me,” said Carl.

According to UConn Health’s Stroke Center, seconds count when you’re having a stroke. This is why it’s important to know the signs of a stroke to ensure that patients receive the treatment they need within a three-hour window so that blood flow to the brain is restored and damage is minimized.

Because of the Stroke Center at UConn Health, Carl was able to return to his family. “I’m just thankful,” said Carl. “Thankful to be here.”

Carl is one of many patients who have benefited from the comprehensive and advanced care provided at UConn Health. To learn more about stroke services, click here.

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