We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Different Types of Ischemic Stroke Treatments?

A.E. Freeman
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,682
Share

Ischemic stroke treatments require that blood flow be restored to the brain. A blood thinning medicine, usually aspirin, is given to treat ischemic strokes. Other types of ischemic stroke treatments include removing the clot or blockage manually or giving the patient tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), either through an intravenous line or a catheter. These types of strokes are usually treated as an emergency.

When a patient suffers an ischemic stroke, an artery in the brain becomes blocked, so blood cannot flow freely. There are typically two types of ischemic strokes. A thrombotic stroke occurs when a clot forms in the brain, while an embolic stroke happens when a clot forms elsewhere in the body and makes its way to the brain. Treatments are most effective when they occur within a few hours after symptoms first appear.

Blood thinners are commonly given to treat ischemic strokes. The medication must be administered within four and a half hours of the beginning of the stroke, or else another treatment should be used. Aspirin is the most common medication given for ischemic stroke treatments. It also reduces a patient's chances of having a second stroke.

If aspirin is not given as treatment, a patient may receive a different type of blood thinner, such as warfarin or clopidogrel. Some ischemic stroke treatments include intravenous administration of TPA, which will break up the clot and restore blood flow. TPA is used in place of aspirin, but must also be given intravenously within a short time frame after the stroke begins.

In some cases, TPA may be given through a catheter into an artery, which delivers the mediation directly to the brain. While intravenous TPA must be given within a few hours of the stroke, a catheter can be inserted up to 18 hours after the stroke began. Some patients, such as those who take warfarin or other blood thinners, should not receive TPA. Patients who have had a hemorrhagic stroke in the past or who have a history of bleeding shouldn't receive TPA either.

Surgery can also be performed to treat ischemic strokes. A surgeon may need to remove a clot in the brain manually during emergency treatment. After initial treatment, a doctor may wish to perform surgery to attempt to prevent future strokes.

A carotid endarterectomy is often performed to remove blockages and clots from the carotid artery. While the procedure can reduce a patient's risk of future stroke, it can also trigger another stroke if not performed properly. Another surgical option is angioplasty, which widens the carotid or other arteries in the brain.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
A.E. Freeman
By A.E. Freeman
Amy Freeman, a freelance copywriter and content creator, makes engaging copy that drives customer acquisition and retention. With a background in the arts, she combines her writing prowess with best practices to deliver compelling content across various domains and effectively connect with target audiences.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
A.E. Freeman
A.E. Freeman
Amy Freeman, a freelance copywriter and content creator, makes engaging copy that drives customer acquisition and...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-ischemic-stroke-treatments.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.