Davis wasn't a candidate for clot busting medication, a treatment typically given through an IV before considering more intrusive procedures. Her only hope meant Dr. Turk would have to go inside her brain and attack the blockage from inside her artery.

Dr. Turk is one of only two neurointerventionalists in the state, but MUSC is the only hospital in South Carolina with all available options for treating stroke plus the expertise to use them. Dr. Turk went after Davis' largest clot with the latest device approved to reopen closed brain vessels.

"The Penumbra device is new, it's a new theory, a way to be a little less traumatic to the vessels," said Dr. Turk.

The device works like a plunger to dislodge the clot. A small tube attached to a suction machine attacks the blockage and in Davis' case, successfully restores brain blood flow. Less than six months ago, no such treatment existed.

With a massive stroke like that, I could have had a lot of disability, so I am lucky. I thank my lucky stars," said Davis.

She also thanks her son, for acting so quickly.

Stroke symptoms normally aren't painful and in many cases they're ignored. But timing is critical. Most stroke treatments must occur within 3-8 hours of its onset.

"Time is brain because every minute that goes by millions of neurons, the little cells in the brain actually die during this event," said Dr. Turk.

Davis escaped significant damage, but needed therapy.

"When I start doing anything that requires a lot of concentration it bothers me. It's like your brain gets tired," said Davis.

A second shot at life while proving how effective progress can be.

Stroke risk factors range from diabetes, to high blood pressure and heart disease.

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