WEST MILFORD — West Milford Councilwoman CarlLa Horton was released from Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, N.Y., on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013 following a five-day stay for a stroke related to a previously undiagnosed congenital heart defect.
“I am very grateful to the medical team at Good Sam and to my friends and colleagues who supported me through this difficult process”, said Horton in a statement.
Horton reported that she sustained little lasting damage from the stroke and returned to work on a part-time basis on Monday, Aug. 12, 2013.
“I anticipate little difficulty in resuming my responsibilities as a councilwoman and plan to be at the next council meeting on Aug. 21,” she said.
Horton said she wants the community to know that a stroke patient has about 60 minutes after the stroke to receive the best care possible to avoid permanent disability.
“If you experience stroke symptoms, call 9-1-1 and get to the emergency room immediately,” Horton added.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Web site provides information regarding stroke:
Know the signs
Because stroke injures the brain, you may not realize that you are having a stroke. To a bystander, someone having a stroke may just look unaware or confused. Stroke victims have the best chance if someone around them recognizes the symptoms and acts quickly.
Know the symptoms
The symptoms of stroke are distinct because they happen quickly:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Know what to do
If you believe someone is having a stroke – if he or she suddenly loses the ability to speak, or move an arm or leg on one side, or experiences facial paralysis on one side – call 911 immediately.