"You'll lose about two million brain cells every minute that goes by." - Neurologist Bruce Campbell When a stroke happens, the clock starts ticking. Treatments need to be given as soon as possible, in order to avoid lifelong disability or even death. And lots of us are affected. Stroke is second biggest killer and the leading cause of adult disability in Australia. In the background of this race against time, Australian doctors are clashing over one particular clot-busting drug called TPA. It’s a medicine that dissolves clots so they don’t have to be surgically removed. Neurologists say the treatment gives patients a precious chance at reducing disability. But emergency doctors say the treatment carries far too many risks as it can cause haemorrhages and even death. When anxious loved ones are told about treatment options, they have no time to mull over their decision. Every minute counts. This week Jenny Brockie hears from stroke patients who received different treatments and pieces together what’s had the best impact on their recovery – whether it was the TPA, or a surgical clot removal, or even a special rehab choir giving them back the power of speech.