Dr. Deepa Avadhani
Quick Answer: Ischemic Stroke Treatment
- Prevalence: Ischemic strokes account for over 85% of all stroke cases worldwide.
- Thrombolysis (r-tPA): Administered intravenously within 4.5 hours to dissolve blood vessel blockages.
- Mechanical Thrombectomy: Catheter-based clot extraction performed for large vessel blockages within 6 to 24 hours.
- Prevention: Daily blood thinners, statin therapy, carotid doppler monitoring, and blood pressure regulation.
Ischemic strokes account for more than 85% of all cerebrovascular accidents. They occur when a blood clot obstructs an artery supplying blood to the brain. If you are searching for an ischemic stroke specialist Chennai patients trust, understanding treatment modalities can help you choose the right healthcare provider for acute intervention and recovery.
Treatment Options Comparison
| Treatment Modality | Time Window | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| IV Thrombolysis (tPA / Tenecteplase) | 0 - 4.5 Hours | Intravenous drug breaks down protein mesh holding the blood clot together. |
| Mechanical Thrombectomy | Up to 24 Hours | Stent retriever catheter pulls large clot directly out of ICA or MCA arteries. |
| Antiplatelet Therapy | Ongoing (Subacute) | Aspirin/Clopidogrel prevents new platelets from clumping together. |
| Carotid Endarterectomy / Stenting | Elective / Secondary | Surgical clearing or balloon stenting of narrowed neck arteries. |
Secondary Stroke Prevention Strategy
Surviving an initial stroke is only half the battle. Up to 25% of stroke survivors experience a second stroke if risk factors remain unchecked. A complete neurovascular evaluation includes:
- Carotid Doppler Ultrasound: Assessing plaque buildup in the neck arteries.
- Echocardiogram & Holter Monitoring: Checking for atrial fibrillation or cardiac sources of emboli.
- HbA1c & Lipid Optimization: Tight glycemic control and lowering LDL cholesterol below 70 mg/dL.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes an ischemic stroke?
An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery supplying blood to the brain, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients.
What is Mechanical Thrombectomy?
Mechanical Thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure where an interventional neurologist inserts a catheter into an artery, thread it to the brain, and physically grabs and pulls out the clot.
How can a second ischemic stroke be prevented?
Secondary prevention involves antiplatelet medications (like aspirin or clopidogrel), statins to control cholesterol, tight blood pressure and diabetes management, and lifestyle alterations.
Schedule a Stroke Risk Assessment
Dr. Deepa Avadhani offers specialized stroke evaluation, neurovascular risk profiling, and comprehensive rehabilitation planning.
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