Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Are strokes becoming more common?

“Yes — and alarmingly, they’re affecting younger adults more frequently,” said Jenn Rebbe, Director of Neurosciences, Springfield Memorial Hospital Comprehensive Stroke Center. Rebbe spoke this week on the WTAX Morning Newswatch.

Rebbe said strokes are on the rise among people in their 30s and 40s, often due to uncontrolled high blood pressure, increased alcohol and drug use, and sedentary lifestyles.

“Keeping your blood pressure in check is one of the most important things you can do,” Jenn emphasized.

Know the Signs: BEFAST.

Recognizing a stroke early can save a life. Rebbe shared the BEFAST acronym to help identify symptoms:

B – Balance: Sudden dizziness or loss of coordination
E – Eyes: Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
F – Face: Facial droop or uneven smile
A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
S – Speech: Slurred or strange speech
T – Terrible headache: Especially sudden and severe

“We changed the ‘T’ from ‘Time’ to ‘Terrible headache’ to help catch hemorrhagic strokes,” Rebbe noted.
“But still — time is brain. Call 911 immediately.”

Stroke or Something Else?

Some symptoms, like vision changes, can overlap with conditions like diabetes. Rebbe’s advice? Don’t guess — get checked.

Knowing your modifiable risk factors — like blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation — is key.

“You can reduce your stroke risk by 50% just by managing those factors,” she said.

Inside the Comprehensive Stroke Center

Springfield Memorial Hospital is certified to provide the highest level of stroke care, including:

  • Thrombolytic therapy for ischemic strokes (clot-busting medication)
  • Life-saving interventions for hemorrhagic strokes (brain bleeds)

Prevention is Powerful

Even small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Rebbe shared a neurosurgeon’s advice:

“If people walked just two miles a day, it would significantly improve their health.”

Final Reminder

If you or someone you know shows signs of a stroke, don’t wait.
Call 911.
BEFAST.
Time is brain.