Lakewood Regional Medical Center Designated as Comprehensive Stroke Center for Los Angeles County

Lakewood Regional Medical Center has been designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) for Los Angeles County, further expanding the Emergency Medical Services network of approved stroke centers countywide.

The first few minutes of a stroke are the most important, and when you or a loved one is having a stroke, you must act quickly. Doing so, could mean the difference between life and death. Research has shown that 2 million brain cells are lost within the first minute after a stroke begins. The faster a person who is having a stroke receives treatment, the better the chances of a complete recovery and life without disability.

“This designation represents a long-standing dedication to excellence by our entire team of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, technicians, and quality improvement staff throughout this hospital,” said Neil Maluste M.D., Medical Director of Vascular Neurology at Lakewood. “We are honored to provide comprehensive stroke care to the Lakewood community and remain steadfast in our unwavering commitment to improve the lives of our patients.”  

Recognize the signs of stroke and respond appropriately by calling 911 and BE FAST.

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
E – Eyes: Sudden vision change/trouble seeing

F – Face: One side of the face droops when the person smiles
A – Arm: One arm drifts down when the person raises arms
S – Speech: Person's speech in slurred, slow or strange
T – Time: If you or someone around you is experiencing one, some or all of these symptoms, "BE FAST" and call 911 immediately for emergency medical assistance.

“I am immensely proud of our dedicated team of highly trained specialists who have put so much effort toward this designation,” said hospital CEO, John Grah. “Providing the best possible outcomes for our stroke patients through timely treatment, fostering prompt reintegration to the community is what we strive for.” 

Lakewood qualifies as a CSC because of their highly specialized capabilities in neurologic disease. A hospital must achieve an intense set of stringent guidelines to achieve such a designation, including comprehensive expertise and experience to provide endovascular, neurosurgical, intensive care and access to rehabilitation services for optimal recovery for a variety of different types of strokes.