Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – As part of American Stroke Month, officials at Springfield Memorial Hospital are encouraging people to learn the warning signs of a stroke and take steps to reduce their risk factors before a medical emergency happens.

Jennifer Rebbe, director of neurosciences at the hospital’s Comprehensive Stroke Center, said strokes are treated with the same level of urgency as heart attacks or traumatic injuries.

“Strokes are definitely serious and we take them just as a heart attack or a trauma that comes in and we have protocols set up for that,” Rebbe said during an interview.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to vital parts of the brain is interrupted, depriving the brain of oxygen and nutrients. Rebbe said several common health conditions can increase a person’s risk, including high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol and diabetes. Lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity can also contribute.

“We know that controlling our risk factors can decrease your risk of a stroke by 80% of your modifiable risk factors,” Rebbe said.

She encouraged people to regularly visit a primary care physician and monitor important health indicators.

“Know what your blood pressure is, know what your cholesterol is, know if you are diabetic,” Rebbe said. “Those are such silent things. Knowing your levels and getting them in check can prevent a stroke by 80%.”

Rebbe also stressed the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms quickly. She said some people experience temporary warning signs known as TIAs, or transient ischemic attacks, before a major stroke occurs.

To help identify symptoms, medical professionals use the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T.

The “B” stands for balance issues or loss of coordination, while “E” refers to sudden vision problems. “F” represents facial drooping, “A” stands for arm weakness, and “S” refers to speech difficulties. The “T” stands for terrible headachea. Rebbe added that a sudden severe headache can also signal a bleeding stroke.

“You need to not bypass that and lie down and take medicine, you need to come in,” she said.

Rebbe emphasized that people should not attempt to drive themselves to the hospital if stroke symptoms appear.

“Definitely calling 911 is very important and we have faster treatment times when you come in by ambulance,” she said.

She added that patients do not need to experience every symptom to seek emergency treatment.

According to Rebbe, rapid treatment is critical because brain damage can happen quickly during a stroke.

“Nineteen thousand neurons die a minute while you are having a stroke,” she said.

While many stroke patients can recover, Rebbe said strokes can still lead to permanent disability or death if treatment is delayed.

“Don’t hesitate and don’t take them lightly,” she said. “It is as serious as a heart attack.”