Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) is a clot-busting drug. It can radically reduce the physical problems after stroke. tPA has been used for years, but not enough. There are 2 things that get in the way of tPA being used more:
1.There
is reluctance among some MDs to administer it; they think they may get sued for
causing a worse stroke (Note tPA is only for "block" ischemic
stroke, but would make a "bleed" hemorrhagic stroke worse).
2.
Survivors often miss the "window" of time tPA is thought to be
effective (~3-4 hours). Only about one third of all survivors call 911
after their stroke. That is, very few survivors access emergency care that
would be required to administer tPA.
The first
issue, above, is discussed here. Irony: MDs
are more likely to get sued if they don't administer tPA!
The
second issue, this may change. There is new technology and it’s on
wheels! Have a look at this vid.
More
videos here.
