Los Angeles County To Send At-Risk Patients to Certified Stroke Centers
On Monday, Los Angeles County launched a new program that will route individuals experiencing stroke symptoms to the nearest certified stroke center, the Los Angeles Times reports.
The 10 designated hospitals, including one in Orange County, all have a specialized stroke neurologist on hand at all times. The centers also have the capacity to:
- Administer blood tests;
- Conduct brain scans; and
- Provide rehabilitation services.
Health care providers generally have less than three hours to begin aggressive treatment after stroke symptoms begin.
If an individual experiencing symptoms is not within 30 minutes of a stroke center, emergency responders will direct the patient to the nearest hospital (Lin, Los Angeles Times, 11/17).
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