Intravenous thrombolysis

When is intravenous thrombolysis required?

The treatment for strokes takes several forms, mainly surgical and pharmacological.

Drug therapy aims to dissolve clots obstructing circulation as quickly as possible by using drugs called thrombolytics.

If administered within 3 hours of the onset of the first symptoms, thrombolytics allow us to limit the damage and disability caused by a stroke.

Before administering this treatment, we must:

• Ensure there is no haemorrhage by using a computed tomography (CT scan)
• Examine the patient and verify there was a significant stroke incident
• Review the patient's medical history and verify there are no past incidents or health problems that are incompatible with the treatment
• If there is bleeding, they cannot be administered, as it may further increase bleeding.

How does intravenous thrombolysis work?

The drug dissolves the clot that prevents blood circulation in the affected brain area.

Risks 

The most common risk is cerebral haemorrhage.