General Surgery

Surgical expertise at Palmdale Regional Medical Center includes the surgical management of common ailments, including simple and complex hernias; gastrointestinal problems, such as peptic ulcer disease, colon cancer, anorectal disorders, hemorrhoids and inflammatory bowel disease; diseases of the gallbladder, pancreas and liver; endocrine problems; benign and malignant disease of the breast; and swallowing disorders.

Stroke and Cerebrovascular

Palmdale Regional Medical Center treats a range of neurological problems, including clinical neurophysiology, neuro-oncology, stroke and cerebrovascular disease.

Clinical Neurophysiology

The hospital offers technologically advanced neurophysiological monitoring.

Neuro-oncology

Neuro-oncology treatment focuses on a comprehensive approach to the treatment of brain tumors. Specialists in neurosurgery, neurology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, neuroradiology, nursing, speech and occupational and physical therapy work together to enhance patient care at every stage — from the initial evaluation, diagnosis and treatment to post-treatment support groups and longitudinal follow-up.

Physicians in neuro-oncology use advanced radiological techniques to carefully assess and identify treatment options. Neurosurgical patients also have access to intraoperative monitoring technology, which can detect adverse changes in neurological status before serious problems arise, allowing surgeons to act quickly to avoid complications. In the critical care unit, patients receive postoperative monitoring to facilitate a trauma-free recovery. The Center's comprehensive, compassionate approach to healthcare extends through the follow-up period.

Stroke and Cerebrovascular

More than 730,000 Americans experience a new or recurrent stroke each year. In fact, someone has a stroke every 45 seconds, making stroke a leading cause of adult disability, as well as the third leading cause of death nationwide.

Despite its toll on society, public awareness of stroke continues to be limited. For example, a recent survey revealed:

• 40 percent of the public does not know that stroke occurs in the brain.
• Over 70 percent of seniors can't fully identify the warning signs of stroke.
• Two-thirds of respondents were unaware of the short time frame in which a person must seek treatment.

According to experts, stroke should be treated with the same urgency as a heart attack. Every second is critical to patient care, survival and subsequent quality of life.

Fast, team-based stroke services
Palmdale Regional Medical Center's emergency team evaluates and treat all stroke emergencies — 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Our team-based approach allows for streamlined treatment and services. Plus, recent clinical studies show that the team approach considerably improves patient outcomes.

To help deliver prompt quality care, the Brain Attack Team may consist of:

• Emergency physicians
• Emergency nurses
• Neurologists
• Neurosurgeons
• Neuro-interventional radiologists
• Medical technicians

A Prevention Program
In addition to this skilled team, Palmdale Regional Medical Center offers comprehensive stroke prevention services. Patients can learn about their personal risk of suffering a stroke and how to reduce their risk with simple lifestyle modifications.

Available diagnostic technology includes:

• Carotid Doppler
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography
• Transcranial Doppler Facilities

With expanded facilities and advanced treatments, Palmdale Regional Medical Center offers high quality care, and offers patients access to a vast range of quality medical services if necessary, including physical, speech and occupational therapy; cardiac care; surgery; and many neurological services.

How much do you know about stroke?

Stroke is the third leading cause of death for Americans. But surprisingly, the public's knowledge concerning strokes is extremely limited. Information can help you better understand what a stroke is, how to identify the warning signs of stroke, and how to lower your risk of having one.

First, understand what a stroke is.
A stroke, sometimes referred to as a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), is an interruption in the flow of blood to cells in the brain; deprived of oxygen from the blood, the cells die. A stroke occurs when a blockage of an artery prevents blood from reaching cells in the brain, or an artery ruptures inside or outside the brain, causing hemorrhage. Stroke is also referred to as a "brain attack."

When a stroke occurs, every second is critical. Immediate medical treatment can lower disability substantially.

There are two types of strokes:

• Ischemic Strokes are caused by build-ups of fatty deposits on the inside of an artery wall, which then becomes completely clogged. Ischemic strokes are more common, accounting for 80 percent of all strokes suffered.
• Hemorrhagic Strokes occur through the rupture of either an artery inside the brain or an aneurysm (a blood-filled bulge in the artery wall) at the base of the brain. Twenty percent of all strokes suffered are hemorrhagic strokes.

Second, be sure you know the warning signs of stroke.

• Numbness, weakness or paralysis in face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes
• Difficulty speaking or understanding simple statements
• Loss of balance or coordination when combined with another sign

Third, learn how to reduce your risk of stroke.

• Control your blood pressure.
• Find out if you have heart disease — especially an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation (AF).
• Find out if you have carotid artery disease.
• Find out if you have diabetes.
• Don't smoke.
• Lower your cholesterol.
• Limit your alcohol use.
• Control your weight.

And finally, if a stroke does occur, seek immediate medical treatment!
Strokes kill. Strokes disable. A stroke should be viewed as a medical emergency, every bit as urgent as a heart attack. If you experience any signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately.