©Treatment of Acute Stroke

Once the diagnosis of stroke is suspected or confirmed, treatments to try to restore blood flow to the brain are started. Timing is everything and will affect what treatments are used. Treatment options can include medications and medical procedures.

Thrombolytic Medications

These medicines (also called clot busters) are used to dissolve blood clots that are blocking the arteries in the brain. To be most effective, these medicines must be given within 3 hours after the start of stroke symptoms. For some patients, it can be given up to 4.5 hours after the onset of symptoms. Many new procedures are being developed for treating acute stroke but all these therapies are time dependent. Therefore, the need for determining the exact onset of the stroke symptoms is extremely important.

Since timing is everything, it is important to call 911 if you or someone around you is experiencing the signs of a stroke.

Do not drive yourself or let someone else drive him/herself to the hospital.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will notify the Emergency Department of your symptoms and the stroke team will be activated before you arrive.