Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, results from clogged arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. Fatty deposits collect on the wall of the arteries, forming a sticky substance called plaque. Over time, the plaque builds up, causing the blood to flow abnormally and form a clot. A clot that stays in place in the brain is called a cerebral thrombus. A clot that breaks loose and moves through the bloodstream to the brain is called a cerebral embolism. This is often caused by an irregular heartbeat, called atrial fibrillation. High blood pressure is the number one reason for a stroke. The risk is also increased by age, family history, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Other risks include alcohol consumption, excess body weight, illicit drug use, and sleep disorders.

Treatment Options

Ischemic strokes are caused by blocked blood vessels in the brain and can be treated by removing the obstruction to restore blood flow to the brain.

• Clot-busters, e.g., tPA: Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can be used to treat some people who are having a stroke caused by a blood clot. It is given intravenously at the hospital. Emergently seeking medical care for someone suspected of having a stroke is critical, since the sooner tPA can be given, the more brain tissue there is to be saved and there is a limited time frame in which tPA can be given. The medicine should be given within 3 hours of onset of symptoms, but also may be given up to 4.5 hours in certain situations. Strict criteria must be met in order to use the medicine. The medicine can be used to prevent disability after a stroke.
• Interventional Neuroradiology: Interventional Neuroradiology, also know as intra-arterial thrombolysis, is a minimally invasive technique in which doctors use imaging equipment to see inside the body. Doctors insert a thin catheter into a blood vessel in the upper leg. The catheter is guided through the blood vessels in the body to the site of the blockage in the brain. tPA, a blood thinner, is then delivered to dissolve the blockage and restore blood flow. For more information on interventional neuroradiology, click here.