Thrombolytic Therapy is the use
of drugs to break-up the clot that is causing the disruption
in blood flow to the brain.
It is crucial, imperative, and so important
that you immediately go to the hospital when you first notice
the warning signs of a stroke. The length of time between
the first warning signs and the time you get to a hospital
may be the difference between a good or poor outcome. Patients
who present to the hospital within 3 hours of the first
sign of a stroke have the possibility to receive alteplase
(Activase®). Activase® is a clot-buster. It breaks-up
the clot to restore blood flow to the area of the stroke.
There are many factors that determine whether
or not a patient is able to receive thrombolytic therapy.
One of these factors, that you have control of, is the amount
of time between the onset of symptoms and presentation to
the hospital. If you get to the hospital within the 3 hour
time frame and the doctor determines you are able to receive
this clot-buster, you may have a better recovery.
There are other treatments for patients not
able to receive thrombolytic treatment.
Stroke Education
