Stroke
Stroke care in Kankakee County
Know your risk, know the signs, and get fast care close to home. Riverside Medical Center is a Certified Primary Stroke Center, and our Emergency Department in Kankakee is open 24/7.
Think it's a stroke? Call 911 now.
Every minute counts. Don't wait to see if symptoms go away, and don't drive yourself to the hospital. Call 911 so paramedics can start care on the way. Note the time symptoms started.
Are you at risk for a stroke?
Many things that raise your stroke risk, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking, can be managed. Answer a few questions about your health and habits to see your risk level. Based on your answers, we'll let you know if a stroke screening or a visit with a provider could help.
- Six short steps that take just a few minutes
- Get your results as soon as you finish
- Learn which risk factors you can change
You'll be asked to accept our Notice of Privacy Practices and Terms of Use before you start. This tool is for education only and does not diagnose a stroke. Having stroke symptoms right now? Call 911.
What are the signs of a stroke?
Stroke signs come on suddenly. The most common are face drooping, arm weakness, and trouble speaking. Use F.A.S.T. to spot them and act quickly. If you notice any of these signs, even if they go away, call 911 right away.
F: Face drooping
Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?
A: Arm weakness
Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift down or feel weak?
S: Speech trouble
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or hard to understand?
T: Time to call 911
If you see any of these signs, call 911 now. Note the time the signs started.
Other sudden signs to watch for
- Numbness or weakness in the leg, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion or trouble understanding others
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance
- Severe headache with no known cause
Some stroke treatments must be given within the first few hours after symptoms start. Riverside Medical Center's Emergency Department at 350 N. Wall Street in Kankakee is open 24/7. Learn more about stroke signs and symptoms.
Stroke: every second counts
For someone having a stroke, time is critical. The sooner a stroke is found and treated, the better the chance of limiting damage to the brain.
Natalie Lacer, BSN, RN, Riverside's Stroke Program Coordinator, talks about how to spot stroke signs early and the stroke care available right here in our community.
Types of stroke
There are two main types of stroke. A third condition, called a TIA, is a warning sign. All three need emergency care.
- Ischemic stroke. A blood clot or blockage cuts off blood flow to part of the brain. About 87 in 100 strokes are this type.
- Hemorrhagic stroke. A blood vessel in or around the brain breaks and bleeds. About 13 in 100 strokes are this type.
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini stroke. Blood flow is blocked for a short time. Signs usually go away within minutes, but a TIA can be a warning sign of a future stroke. Call 911 even if the signs stop.
Source: American Stroke Association
Recognized Stroke Care
Nationally recognized care, close to home
Riverside Medical Center meets national standards for stroke care, and our stroke team is ready to help in a stroke emergency, day or night.
Certified Primary Stroke Center
DNV certifies that we meet nationally developed standards for stroke care.
Stroke Gold Plus award
An American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke quality award for following national stroke treatment guidelines.
Stroke procedures close to home
Our neurointerventional suite lets specialists treat some strokes caused by blood clots right here, instead of in Chicago.
Ready 24/7
Our Emergency Department and stroke team are here around the clock, every day of the year.
Common questions about stroke
What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Without blood and oxygen, brain cells start to die within minutes. That's why a stroke is a medical emergency. Fast treatment can help limit damage to the brain.
Who can have a stroke?
Anyone. Stroke risk goes up as you get older, but a stroke can happen at any age. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Knowing your risk and the warning signs can help you and your loved ones act fast.
Can I lower my risk of stroke?
In many cases, yes. You can't change some risk factors, like your age or family history. But you can work with your provider to manage high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat). Quitting smoking, staying active, and eating well can also help. See our stroke prevention tips.
What happens after I take the risk assessment?
You'll see your results when you finish. Based on your answers, we may suggest a stroke screening or a visit with a provider. Your results are not a diagnosis, so share them with your doctor. If you ever notice signs of a stroke, call 911 right away.
Learn more about stroke
Stroke basics
Well Within Reach Podcast
Listen and learn about stroke
Riverside providers and patients talk about stroke signs, care, and recovery.
Neurology Care When Strokes Strike
Heart Attacks and Strokes: What's Different for Women?
Talk with a provider about your stroke risk
If your results show a higher risk, or you've had a stroke or TIA before, our neurology team can help. Your primary care provider can also help you manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
Riverside Stroke Center
Riverside Medical Center
350 N. Wall Street
Kankakee, IL 60901
(815) 935-0750
This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The online risk assessment does not diagnose a stroke or any other condition. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health needs. If you think someone is having a stroke, call 911.