What Is an Ischemic Stroke?
Article Sources
- 1. Stroke Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Sept. 2020, www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm.
- 2. Ischemic Stroke Treatment. www.stroke.org, www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/treatment/ischemic-stroke-treatment.
- 3. Edward C Jauch, M. (2020, June 22). Ischemic Stroke. Retrieved November 03, 2020, from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1916852-overview
5. What Treatments Are Used for an Ischemic Stroke?
Following the stroke, immediate care should be administered. If possible, the patient or someone nearby should call for an ambulance, as damage can occur within minutes. The main goal of treatment is to dissolve the clot so blood flow to the affected part of the brain can be restored.
According to the American Stroke Association, the main method used to clear the occlusion is the intravenous administration of drugs that can disintegrate the clot. Yet, these can only be administered before irreversible damage occurs: within 4.5 hours from when the signs and symptoms started. A common drug used for this therapy is alteplase or recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. However, like any other drug, alteplase may have unwanted side effects. Thus, not everyone that has had an ischemic stroke is a candidate to receive this therapy. Importantly, speedy treatment can reduce complications and improve the chances of survival.
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