Stroke survivor, a local doctor, shares warning

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A San Diego doctor has a strong warning as May marks Stroke Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms to potentially save lives.

Dr. Charles Hamori, a primary care physician at Kaiser Permanente in Clairemont Mesa, said during a tennis match in early January he suddenly lost function in his left arm, a classic sign of stroke.

"I thought I tweaked it, a stinger," Hamori said. "But after about 15 minutes of denial, the better part of my senses kicked in and I said, 'Oh my God, I'm having a stroke.'"

Recognizing the urgency, Hamori rushed to the emergency room. Neurologist Dr. William Neil said every minute of delay can results in the loss of thousands of brain cells.

Neil highlights the significance of stroke carts, equipped with technology enabling remote consultation and immediate bedside intervention.

The carts are also known as a “doc in a box” because they are basically portable computer monitors that neurologists can use to video diagnose a patient. The cart allows the doctor to see the patient through a camera and then gives the doctor critical information about the patient’s health so nurses can provide quicker treatment.  

"It was probably 25 minutes from the time I hit that emergency room door to the time they gave me that medicine, and 36 hours later I was back to normal 100%," Hamori recalled.

Now, Hamori advocates for greater awareness of stroke symptoms: slurred speech, facial drooping, arm weakness or dizziness.