Stroke Care

Rochelle Community Hospital is designated an Acute Stroke–Ready Hospital (ASRH) by the Illinois Department of Public Health. This designation means our team is prepared to deliver rapid, coordinated stroke care so patients can receive timely treatment close to home.

If you believe you or someone else may be having a stroke, call 9-1-1 right away. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital or travel to another facility. Emergency responders can begin care immediately and ensure you get the fastest possible treatment at RCH.

Know the Signs: Use the F.A.S.T. Test

Recognizing stroke symptoms early can make all the difference. Use F.A.S.T. to remember the warning signs:

F – Face
Does one side of the face droop when the person smiles?

A – Arms
Does one arm drift downward when the person raises both arms?

S – Speech
Is speech slurred, hard to understand, or absent?

T – Time
Time is critical. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you notice any of these signs.

Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly and may include:

• Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side of the body
• Confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking
• A sudden, severe headache with no known cause

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. Without prompt treatment, brain cells begin to die, which can lead to permanent damage or death.

The good news: up to 50% of strokes are preventable. You can lower your risk by making healthy lifestyle choices, including:

• Keeping blood pressure under control
• Exercising regularly
• Eating a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing diabetes
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Quitting smoking