The "golden hour" of a stroke refers to the first hour after the onset of stroke symptoms. This term highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of a stroke and seeking immediate medical attention in order to minimize the damage to the brain and maximize the chances of recovery. During the golden hour, the blood flow to the brain is disrupted, and the affected brain cells, neurons, are at risk of dying. The longer the blood flow remains disrupted, the more brain cells are lost, and the greater the damage to the brain. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the onset of stroke symptoms.