A stroke is an acute condition, meaning it has a rapid onset, caused by the interference in blood flow in the brain that results in a lack of oxygen and the death of brain cells. An ischemic stroke, which accounts for approximately 87 percent of all strokes according to the American heart Association, occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. This blockage may occur due to atherosclerosis, which causes the arteries to narrow, or the formation of blood clots. Several types of treatment now available for acute ischemic strokes decrease the incidence of death. However, the doctors at the Mayo Clinic stress the important of prompt treatment to minimize complications and permanent damage.
Thrombolytic Drugs
Thrombolytic medications, such as tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, can break up blood clots to help restore the blood flow to the brain, according to the Merck Manual. The patient response to this medication is best when given within three hours of the start of the stroke. After that time, as described by the Merck Manual, the damage to the brain is irreversible so the benefits of the drug do not outweigh the risks. tPA can cause bleeding in the brain or other parts of the body so it is important to confirm that the stroke was ischemic, caused by a blood clot, and not hemorrhagic, which is caused by bleeding in the brain.
Anticoagulant Medications
Anticoagulant medications, also called blood thinners although they do not make the blood thinner, are prescribed to patients to prevent the blood clot that caused the stroke from getting bigger and prevent new blood clots from forming. There are several types of anticoagulant medications used for those experiencing an acute ischemic stroke.
Antiplatelet drugs make the platelets in blood less likely to clump together to form clots. Aspirin, an antiplatelet medication, is one of the best immediate treatments to help prevent another ischemic stroke, according to the doctors at the Mayo Clinic.
Coumadin, an anticoagulant, inhibits the production of certain clotting factors in the blood. Coumadin is effective in preventing blood clots from forming in the heart which can lead to a stroke.
Surgical Procedures
Surgical procedures may also be used to treat an ischemic stroke. If the stroke was caused by a blockage of the carotid artery due to atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque, a surgical procedure known as carotid endarterectomy can help to prevent future strokes. During this procedure the surgeon removes the plaque in the carotid artery. The procedure can actually trigger a stroke if pieces of the plaque break free during the surgery, but doctors can utilize filters downstream from the surgery to catch any debris.
Stents, a wire mesh tube, can also be placed in the artery to help keep it open and restore blood flow to the brain. In addition, an angioplasty can be performed. During this procedure a small balloon is placed in the carotid artery at the area that is obstructed. Surgeons inflate the balloon which compresses the plaque against the walls of the arteries and opens up the vessel so that blood can flow freely.
About this Author
Stephanie Chandler is a freelance writer whose master’s degree in biomedical science and over 15 years’ experience in the scientific and pharmaceutical professions provide her with the knowledge to contribute to health topics. Chandler has been writing for corporations and small businesses since 1991. In addition to writing scientific papers and procedures, her articles are published on Overstock.com, Helium.com and other websites.
