- For ischemic strokes (those caused by a narrowed or blocked artery), thrombolytics — drugs that dissolve blood clots blocking blood flow to your brain — are the first line of treatment. AHA guidelines suggest a clot-busting medication should be given within 4.5 hours of the start of stroke symptoms. Additional medications may be prescribed later on to prevent future clotting and narrowing of the arteries.
Stroke Vascular Neurology
Stroke Vascular Neurology
A stroke is a medical emergency that requires urgent attention. If you suspect you or a loved one may be having stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately to get fast, lifesaving treatment.
There are two major types of stroke.
Ischemic stroke
Ischemic stroke occurs when an artery that supplies blood to a section of the brain is blocked, causing death of brain cells by preventing oxygen and important nutrients like glucose from reaching the brain.
Hemorrhagic stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke results from a blood vessel breaking open, causing bleeding into the brain and damage to the surrounding cells.
Either of these types of stroke can cause irreversible brain damage and may result in death or long-lasting disabilities including paralysis, weakness, speech difficulties and problems with memory and thought. Having a stroke increases a person’s chance of having another stroke. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in Kentucky, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Emergency stroke treatment with surgery, endovascular procedures and/or a blood clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can help prevent brain damage and increase the likelihood of a full recovery from stroke and its associated symptoms.
- A stroke occurs when there is a problem with blood flow in or to the brain. Quickly diagnosing the type and location of the problem helps prevent death and permanent disability. To do so, ARH stroke experts use imaging techniques to see inside the brain. According to American Heart Association (AHA) clinical guidelines, brain imaging should be performed and results obtained within 45 minutes after a suspected stroke patient arrives at a hospital.
- If the physician suspects there is a blot clot in a large vessel of the brain additional radiology exams may be ordered such as CT scan with dye injected into an IV.
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