Dignity Health offers expert treatment for neurological conditions of the brain and nervous system. Our services include humankindness, always with the goal of healing.
When every second counts, you can be assured that at Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center, our experts focus on the rapid diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions. As a Los Angeles County Designated Comprehensive Stroke Center, our team is committed to improving stroke outcomes through a multifaceted approach of prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.
The Joint Commission has awarded an advanced stroke certification for Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Centers (TSC) to Northridge Hospital. This means that our Stroke Center has met the rigorous standards for performing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and post-procedure care.
Recent studies have shown the effectiveness of EVT procedures and the ability to perform EVT allows patients to get to the right location as soon as possible. Considered the Gold Seal of Approval™, this certification demonstrates our commitment to excellence in stroke care. Our community can be assured that the quality care we provide is effectively managed to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.
Welcome to the Stroke Center at Northridge Hospital Medical Center. We specialize in providing expert treatment for stroke and other neurological conditions. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to delivering compassionate care and improving outcomes for our patients.
A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or when a blood vessel breaks and stops blood flow to an area of the brain. When either of these things happen, brain cells begin to die, causing damage to the brain. Every stroke is different and the severity is largely dependent upon the area of the brain affected and the length of time that area was without oxygen.
Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke is crucial for timely treatment. Common symptoms of a stroke include:
If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Patients with higher risk of stroke include people with:
Hypertension
Atrial Fibrillation
Diabetes
High Cholesterol
Previous Stroke or TIA
Family history of heart disease or stroke
Post operative patients
History of illegal drug use, alcohol use, smoking
Obesity, sedentary lifestyle
Carotid or other artery disease
Ethnicity: African American, Hispanic, Native American or Alaskan Natives have a higher incidence of stroke
Ischemic strokes, caused by blood clots in the brain's blood vessels, account for nearly 80% of all strokes. In 2023, 64% of the patients treated at our Stroke Center had an Ischemic stroke.
There are three types of stroke:
Ischemic strokes are the most common type. They are caused when blood vessels leading to the brain become blocked, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain.
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are indicators of a high risk for stroke. In a TIA, the blood clot occurs for a short time and resolves itself. Although TIAs are temporary, they are strong indicators of a possible major stroke.
Hemorrhagic strokes occur when blood vessels in or around the brain break.
Northridge Hospital provides stroke care according to the latest guidelines endorsed by the American Heart Association® and American Stroke Association®. Northridge Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission as a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center. Hospitals use a scale called thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) to evaluate the success of endovascular treatments.The more open a blood vessel is following treatment, the more easily blood can flow through it. Ischemic stroke patients who have meaningful improvement of blood flow to their brain after undergoing a surgical procedure are considered a successful surgical outcome.
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Northridge Hospital monitors compliance with the Stroke Core Measures as endorsed by the Joint Commission. The chart below demonstrates our excellence in performance on these standards.
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Every minute that an ischemic stroke goes untreated, the average patient suffers the loss of around 1.9 million neurons. For each hour in which treatment fails to occur, the brain loses about as many neurons as it would in 3.6 years of normal aging. Early recognition and treatment of Stroke is key to maximize the probability of a good functional outcome. Northridge Hospital utilizes protocols to treat patients as quickly and efficiently as possible.
After receiving care for their stroke, a multidisciplinary team determines the best plan of care going forward for a safe discharge for our patients. Most of our stroke patients are discharged home from Northridge Hospital.
The Stroke Rehabilitation Program at the Center for Rehabilitation Medicine is designed for patients who have had a Cerebrovascular Accident (Brain Attack). After a stroke, rehabilitation plays a vital role in helping patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life. Our Stroke Center offers comprehensive rehabilitation services, including physical therapy and rehabilitation programs tailored to individual needs.
We understand the emotional impact of a stroke on both patients and their families. Our Stroke Center provides a supportive environment through our support group, where individuals can connect, share experiences, and receive emotional support during their stroke recovery journey.
For more information, please call (888) 652-5413, ext. 3637.
The Stroke Center offers advancements in treatment and rehabilitation, which have made it possible for many stroke patients to regain optimal function and quality of life. For more information about our Stroke Center, please call (833) 623-1297, ext. 3675.
To find a physician, please use our search tool to Find a Doctor.
