Why is thrombolytic therapy used in stroke?
Most strokes are caused when blood clots move to a blood vessel in the brain and block blood flow to that area. For such strokes (ischemic strokes), thrombolytics can be used to help dissolve the clot quickly. Giving thrombolytics within 3 hours of the first stroke symptoms can help limit stroke damage and disability.
Which type of stroke can be treated with a thrombolytic?
Thrombolytic therapy is used only to treat an ischemic stroke in people who do not have other bleeding disorders, among other criteria. A stroke is damage to the brain caused by interruption in the brain’s blood supply. Stroke is a medical emergency and one of the leading causes of death and adult disability.
Why is thrombolytic therapy contraindicated in stroke?
Intravenous thrombolysis for stroke is contraindicated if the patient is taking therapeutic doses of LMWH because of the presumed high risk of hemorrhagic complications. Reports of IV thrombolysis given to patients taking LMWH are scarce in the literature.
How long after a stroke can you give thrombolytics?
For most people, thrombolysis needs to be given within four and a half hours of your stroke symptoms starting. In some circumstances, your doctor may decide that it could still be of benefit within six hours. However, the more time that passes, the less effective thrombolysis will be.
What can I expect after a thrombolysis?
What can I expect after the thrombolysis? You may have discomfort at your groin or elbow site after a catheter-based thrombolysis. To reduce discomfort, take slow deep breaths. You may receive medication to control your pain.
When should thrombolysis be administered?
If a blood clot is determined to be life threatening, thrombolysis may be an option if initiated as soon as possible — ideally within one to two hours — after the onset of symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism (once a diagnosis has been made).
How safe is thrombolysis?
Patients who undergo thrombolysis have a small risk of infection (less than one in 1,000) as well as a slight risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast dye that may be needed for imaging. Besides risk of serious internal bleeding, other possible risks include: Bruising or bleeding at the access site.
How quickly does thrombolysis work?
It may take up to 72 hours for the clot to dissolve (although most clots dissolve within 24 hours). Medical staff will closely monitor you during this time. Removing the clot by mechanical device may be done in a single procedure. You may not require a lengthy hospital stay.
What are the side effects of thrombolytic therapy?
The side effects associated with thrombolytics include:
- Major bleeding in the brain.
- Kidney damage in patients with kidney disease.
- Severe hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Severe blood loss or internal bleeding.
- Bruising or bleeding at the site of thrombolysis.
- Damage to the blood vessels.
What is the major side effects of thrombolytics?
What is the most frequent undesirable effect of thrombolytic therapy?
The most important adverse events related to thrombolytic therapy are bleeding complications, notably a 0.5% to 1.0% incidence of intracranial hemorrhage.