The source of the stroke and the extent of damage to the brain determines the appropriate measures for stroke treatment.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the clot-dissolving drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) as treatment for strokes caused by blood clots. tPA dissolves the clot and restores blood flow to the brain. tPA carries a risk of bleeding in the brain, but its benefits outweigh the risks when an experienced doctor uses it properly. For maximum benefit, the therapy must be started within three hours of the onset of stroke symptoms. Surgery, medications, hospital care and rehabilitation are all stroke treatment options. When the carotid artery in the neck is partially blocked by a fatty buildup, surgery called carotid endarterectomy might be used to remove the accumulated plaque. Cerebral angioplasty is another technique in which balloons, stents and coils are used to treat some types of problems with the brain's blood vessels. Use of aspirin and other antiplatelet medications (as prescribed by your doctor) may be prescribed to reduce the risk of future strokes. Surgery may be used to treat selected hemorrhagic strokes by removing large blood clots and thereby decreasing intracranial pressure on the surrounding brain tissue. There are several surgical procedures that can relieve pressure. Learn more about: What is a Stroke? Types of Strokes Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke Stroke Effects and Evaluation Stroke Prevention
Related Links:Treatment for strokes using tPA