At Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, you can count on timely, coordinated stroke care close to home for patients throughout Reno County and the surrounding Central Kansas region.
We are a primary stroke center certified by the Joint Commission and a certified Level III Trauma Center, with a Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement designation, and the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Rural Recognition Gold award for our efforts to optimize stroke care and reduce gaps in rural health outcomes. And, through our 24/7 Emergency Department, we offer round-the-clock access to neurological care via telemedicine.
A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
There are two types of stroke. Both types of stroke damage brain cells. Symptoms of that damage start to show in the parts of the body controlled by those brain cells.
A stroke can happen in a matter of moments, but recovery is a journey that unfolds over time. The path forward is often challenging, emotional, and different for every patient. Each person’s experience is shaped by their unique needs, goals, and progress, requiring care that adapts and supports them through every stage of recovery.
Timely treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing support can help patients regain strength, independence, and confidence along the way.
Explore each stage of stroke recovery and the care that guides it.
WHERE CARE BEGINS
Knowing when to seek help can make all the difference.
Symptoms such as facial drooping, arm weakness, difficulty speaking, vision changes, or sudden dizziness should never be ignored. When every second matters, the Emergency Department team is prepared to quickly assess symptoms, begin treatment, and coordinate the next steps to help protect brain function and improve outcomes.
FINDING ANSWERS
Advanced imaging helps guide treatment decisions without delay.
Once a stroke is suspected, rapid diagnosis is critical. CT imaging allows providers to evaluate the brain, determine the type of stroke, and identify the most appropriate treatment plan. Fast, accurate answers help ensure patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible.
CARE IN ACTION
Focused care and continuous monitoring support recovery during the most critical stage.
Following diagnosis, patients may receive care in the Intensive Care Unit or a specialized telemetry unit where neurological and cardiovascular health are closely monitored around the clock. Physicians, nurses, and specialists work together to manage treatment, reduce complications, and support stabilization during the earliest stages of recovery.
ROAD TO RECOVERY
Personalized rehabilitation helps patients regain strength and confidence with everyday activities.
As a patient’s condition stabilizes, rehabilitation becomes an important part of the recovery journey. Patients benefit from physician consultation alongside a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team focused on improving strength, mobility, communication, and daily living skills. Individualized therapy plans help prepare patients for a successful transition home.
SUPPORT FOR WHAT’S NEXT
Ongoing support helps patients continue making progress after discharge.
Recovery does not end when a patient leaves the hospital. Depending on individual needs, continued care may include outpatient rehabilitation, occupational therapy, home health services, or hospice care. These services provide ongoing guidance, therapy, and support to help patients maintain progress, improve quality of life, and navigate the road ahead.
A stroke is a serious medical condition that requires emergency care. BE FAST and call 9-1-1 right away if you or someone you are with shows any signs of a stroke. This can help stroke patients get the treatments they desperately need. The stroke treatments that work best are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within the first few hours after symptoms begin. Stroke patients may not be eligible for these treatments if they don’t arrive at the hospital in time.
While stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., few people know the signs. Use the acronym BE FAST to remember the signs of stroke, and what to do if someone near you is experiencing them.
When it comes to stroke treatment, time lost is brain lost. Here is what to expect if you or a loved one suffers from a stroke and is brought to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department or is a patient at the hospital at the time of a stroke:
You can help prevent stroke by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as:
It’s important to educate you and your family about the risks and signs of stroke. We invite you to visit these reputable sites for trusted information:
Explore the recovery journey through the ‘Stronger After Stroke’ podcast, presented by the Norton Neuroscience Institute Comprehensive Stroke Center and Resource Center. In this series, stroke survivors and specialists share essential insights and experiences, addressing critical aspects of life post-stroke.
Explore additional episodes of the ‘Stronger After Stroke’ podcast for expert insights and advice on stroke recovery.
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