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Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Stroke: Current Clinical Neurology

Ted Simmons

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Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. Ischemic stroke, which accounts for approximately 87% of all strokes, occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain, cutting off blood flow to brain tissue. This can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms, including weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, and vision problems.

Thrombolytic therapy is a treatment for ischemic stroke that involves administering a clot-busting drug to dissolve the blood clot and restore blood flow to the brain. This treatment is most effective when given within the first few hours of stroke onset, but it can still be beneficial up to 4.5 hours after symptoms begin.

Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Stroke (Current Clinical Neurology)

by Stephanie Marohn

5 out of 5

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How Thrombolytic Therapy Works

Thrombolytic drugs work by breaking down the fibrin strands that hold blood clots together. This allows the clot to dissolve and blood flow to be restored. The most commonly used thrombolytic drug for stroke is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).

Benefits of Thrombolytic Therapy

Thrombolytic therapy has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke. Studies have shown that tPA can reduce the risk of death and disability by up to 30%. It can also improve the chances of a full recovery.

Risks of Thrombolytic Therapy

The main risk of thrombolytic therapy is bleeding. This can occur in the brain (intracerebral hemorrhage) or elsewhere in the body. The risk of bleeding is higher in patients who are elderly, have high blood pressure, or have a history of bleeding disFree Downloads.

Other risks of thrombolytic therapy include:

* Allergic reaction * Seizures * Nausea and vomiting * Headache

Who is Eligible for Thrombolytic Therapy?

Thrombolytic therapy is not appropriate for all patients with ischemic stroke. The following criteria must be met in Free Download to be eligible for treatment:

* The patient must have symptoms of ischemic stroke that began within the past 4.5 hours. * The patient must not have any contraindications to thrombolytic therapy, such as a history of bleeding disFree Downloads or a recent head injury. * The patient must be able to undergo a CT scan of the brain to rule out any other causes of stroke, such as a brain tumor or hemorrhage.

How Thrombolytic Therapy is Administered

Thrombolytic therapy is administered intravenously (IV). The drug is given over a period of 60 minutes. During this time, the patient will be closely monitored for any signs of bleeding or other complications.

After Thrombolytic Therapy

After receiving thrombolytic therapy, the patient will be monitored in the hospital for at least 24 hours. During this time, the patient will be given medications to prevent bleeding and to control blood pressure. The patient will also be assessed for any new or worsening neurological symptoms.

Thrombolytic therapy is a safe and effective treatment for ischemic stroke. It can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of death and disability. However, it is important to note that this treatment is only appropriate for patients who meet the eligibility criteria.

If you think you may be experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately. Time is critical in the treatment of stroke, and the sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of recovery.

Call to Action

If you or someone you know has experienced a stroke, please learn more about thrombolytic therapy. Talk to your doctor or visit the website of the National Stroke Association for more information.

Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Stroke (Current Clinical Neurology)

by Stephanie Marohn

5 out of 5