Recognizing Stroke Symptoms and Acting Fast: Riverside’s Lifesaving Stroke Care

A stroke can happen suddenly. And, when it does, every second counts. Here, we turn to the advice of Kendra Pauley, FNP-C, a nurse practitioner with Riverside Neurology Specialists. She shares how to recognize the warning signs, lower your risk, and understand the care available in the community.

Understanding What a Stroke Is

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain becomes interrupted. Pauley explains there are two main types of strokes:

•    Ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery.
•    Hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding in the brain.

To help people remember the signs of a stroke, Riverside teaches the BE FAST method:

•  B for Balance (trouble walking)
• E for Eyes (blurred or double vision)
• F for Face (drooping on one side)
• A for Arms (weakness or numbness)
• S for Speech (slurred or hard to understand)
• T for Time—because it’s time to call 911 immediately

“Don’t wait,” Pauley warns. “There are medicines we can give if you’re in a certain timeframe. Call 911 right away.”

Reducing Stroke Risk

Experts link many stroke risk factors are to one's overall health. Pauley emphasizes that controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes plays a key role. She also pointed out that smoking and obesity greatly increase stroke risk. “Diet and exercise can help,” she offers. “And, quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to protect your brain and heart.

What Happens When You Arrive at the Hospital

When someone arrives at Riverside's ER with stroke symptoms, care begins immediately. Ambulance crews notify the emergency department in advance so the team is ready. “The ER doctor meets them at the door for a quick evaluation. Then, the patient goes straight to a CT scan,” Pauley notes. The scan helps doctors rule out bleeding in the brain.

Riverside also partners with Rush TeleNeurology. This collaboration gives patients instant access to specialists who help determine whether the patient qualifies for clot-busting medication. This treatment can restore blood flow and limit brain damage if given quickly enough.

Stroke Recovery and Follow-Up Care

What happens after the emergency phase? Riverside’s neurology team works with patients to identify risk factors and prevent another stroke. “It’s a lot of education on preventative measures,” Pauley shares. This includes prescribing the right medications. And, helping patients make lifestyle changes to protect their health long-term.

Riverside’s rehabilitation unit provides therapy to help stroke survivors regain strength, mobility, and independence. Having this care close to home is a major benefit for patients and families. “They’re not traveling up north or down south,” Pauley assures. “If they’re in rehab for a few weeks, family can still visit without worrying about traffic or long drives.”

Comprehensive Stroke Care in the Community

Riverside is a Primary Stroke Center. This means it meets national standards for stroke diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. “We can give the clot-busting medicine and don’t have to ship patients out,” Pauley states. In rare cases where a large vessel becomes blocked and needs surgery, Riverside coordinates quick transfers for advanced procedures. But, most care can happen right here in Kankakee.

The Most Important Message: Time Is Brain

Pauley’s biggest takeaway is simple: act fast. “If you notice signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately,” she urges. “Don’t wait or think it will go away. The longer you wait, the more brain tissue is dying.”
She adds that people often hesitate to call because they don’t want to “waste anyone’s time.” But, it’s always better to be safe. “We’d rather you come in and let us check you out.”
Recognizing stroke symptoms and getting to Riverside Healthcare could make all the difference. To learn more about Riverside Neurology Specialists, visit myrhc.net/neurologycare.