Published on Jun. 5, 2026
A stroke can happen without warning—at home, at work, or even steps away from medical care. In those critical moments, rapid recognition and expert treatment can mean the difference between lasting disability and recovery.
For Sandra Opera, that difference was made at Saddleback Medical Center, where a coordinated stroke team acted quickly to stabilize her condition and begin treatment—giving her a second chance
The First Signs of Stroke
Sandra did not recognize the signs at first. She had no known risk factors, no family history, and no expectation that her day would take a sudden turn.
“It was a very brief moment,” Sandra said. “I just felt off.”
After arriving at Saddleback Medical Center two hours early—due to a mix-up with her appointment time—she got out of her car and walked toward the entrance to reschedule her appointment.
“I could barely walk up the ramp to the emergency department front desk,” she said.
When she reached the front desk, the emergency department staff asked a few rapid questions and immediately recognized the warning signs. Based on her responses, they determined she was having a stroke and rushed her to triage.
Looking back, Sandra said the pain played a key role in pushing her to seek care quickly.
“I feel lucky the pain was there,” she shared. “It made me act right away.”
A Rapid, Coordinated Response
At Saddleback Medical Center, stroke care and prevention of brain injury begin the moment a patient arrives. One of the first and most important steps is determining the type of stroke. Sandra was rapidly evaluated and diagnosed with an ischemic stroke—caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain—an essential distinction, as it directly guides the course of treatment.
“Stroke is a true medical emergency where every minute counts,” Abdullah Ibish, M.D., neurologist, MemorialCare Neuroscience Institute, Saddleback Medical Center, “Our stroke team is trained to work seamlessly from emergency department staff to imaging specialists and neurologists so patients can receive life‑saving treatment without delay. Providing quality, coordinated care as quickly as possible is essential to the patient’s outcome.”
Saddleback Medical Center’s technology and stroke protocols support rapid diagnosis of stroke patients. Equipped with a 256‑slice CT scanner and advanced imaging technology, the stroke team can quickly pinpoint affected areas of the brain in real time and begin treatment within minutes. Dedicated stroke treatment rooms and telemedicine technology allow specialists to provide expert care 24 hours a day, both onsite and in support of other area hospitals.
Because Sandra’s stroke was ischemic and time-sensitive, the care team moved quickly to prepare for treatment. Sandra recalls how rapidly her care progressed.
“I was immediately rolled onto a bed,” she said. “The response from the stroke team was amazing.”
Despite the urgency of the situation, she vividly recalled one quiet, human moment: a physician asking her to sign a consent form before treatment began.
“I remember how sincere his eyes were,” she said. “It made it easy for me to sign and say yes to getting treatment as soon as possible.”
Advanced Treatment Delivered in Time
Sandra arrived within the narrow treatment window for TNK (tenecteplase), a clot-busting medication used to treat certain ischemic strokes—when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. Timing is critical, as thrombolytic drugs like TNK are only used for ischemic strokes, not those caused by bleeding.
“While alteplase (tPA) has long been the standard treatment, TNK is becoming more common in stroke centers because it can be given more quickly” says Dr. Ibish. “Instead of a prolonged IV infusion, TNK is delivered as a single injection—an important advantage in time-sensitive situations. This faster, more streamlined approach can help reduce delays and make it easier to move patients to additional treatments, such as clot retrieval, if needed.” Both medications work by activating the body’s natural clot-dissolving process. TNK converts plasminogen into plasmin, an enzyme that breaks down fibrin—the protein that holds blood clots together—helping restore blood flow to the brain and limit damage.
“I felt incredibly fortunate,” she said. “It has a short treatment window, and I arrived in time.”
Sandra noticed improvement almost immediately.
“Within minutes—maybe even seconds—I started to feel sensation return in my toes,” she said.
That urgency is backed by a strong commitment to evidence-based care at Saddleback Medical Center, which has earned national recognition—including the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Award for the second consecutive year—for consistently following protocols that improve outcomes and quality of care.
Care That Went Beyond Medicine
Sandra’s care did not end with emergency treatment. She spent time in the ICU, where the level of care left a lasting impression.
“The nurses were professional, attentive, and knowledgeable,” she said. “But what stood out the most was their kindness. It felt like having a 24‑hour angel by my side.”
She said the quality of care extended across Saddleback Medical Center.
“Every nurse was wonderful,” she said.
Even small details, including meals, contributed to her experience.
“I still remember having salmon, mashed potatoes and gravy,” she said. “I was genuinely impressed with the food quality.”
Recovery, Confidence, and Letting Go
Sandra described her recovery as steady and well-supported. She said it was reassuring to know her care team communicated with her primary care physician and coordinated follow-up care across providers within the MemorialCare system.
“That made me feel secure,” she said.
Emotionally, recovery meant learning to release control and trust others, something many stroke survivors experience.
“I’m learning to let go of control,” she reflected. “At the same time, no one knows your body better than you do.”
“Stroke recovery is not just physical—it is also emotional and psychological,” Dr. Ibish said. “Ongoing communication, follow-up care and patient confidence all play an important role.”
A Message of Urgency, Hope, and Healing
Sandra encourages others to trust their instincts if something feels wrong and to take symptoms seriously. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of stroke and acting without hesitation. The B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym helps people recognize the signs of stroke. Quick recognition and immediate action save lives.
“Know the symptoms. Call 911. Go to the hospital as fast as possible,” she said.
Reflecting on her own experience, Sandra said her outcome was shaped not only by timing, but by the coordinated care she received from the stroke team. She described a combination of clinical expertise and compassion that stayed with her throughout her recovery.
For the team at Saddleback Medical Center, her case underscores the impact of comprehensive stroke care—from early recognition through treatment and recovery support.
“High-quality stroke care can change the course of a patient’s life,” Dr. Ibish said. “Timely treatment and continued support all play a role in recovery.”
Sandra also shared a message for others navigating the recovery process.
“For those who have a more difficult experience, don’t give up,” she said. “Recovery can come with challenges, but support and hope from the team make a difference.”
She emphasized the importance of having people to lean on throughout recovery, including resources such as the MemorialCare Saddleback Stroke Survivor Support Group. The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. and provides a space for patients and families to connect, share experiences and find encouragement.
“We all need hope,” she said.
Her experience is a reminder that when minutes matter most, timely care can make a significant difference.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of a stroke, call 911 immediately. Rapid evaluation and treatment are critical.
To learn more, visit MemorialCare Neuroscience Institute at Saddleback Medical Center or call (949) 837-4500.
About the Author
Abdullah Ibish, M.D., neurologist at MemorialCare Neuroscience Institute at Saddleback Medical Center, is a Laguna Niguel native who considers himself a grassroots physician, inspired by early volunteer experiences in Saddleback Memorial Hospital’s emergency department. As a high school student, he recognized a critical gap in emergent neurological care, motivating him to pursue a career in medicine. Today, Dr. Ibish is a Board‑certified expert in Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury, subspecializing in Vascular/Stroke Neurology and Neurocritical Care at MemorialCare. He completed fellowship training at USC and UCLA, earned his medical degree from Georgetown University, and remains deeply committed to caring for underserved and vulnerable patient populations in his home community.
