count for a stroke victim, and acting quickly can
make all the difference in a patient’s outcome.
We have an advanced rapid response system in place
that expedites care quickly and can help minimize
brain damage in a stroke victim. Within three hours
of symptoms onset, patients considered for t-PA
therapy undergo CT scans, physical examinations,
case history reviews, blood tests and neurological
Brain damage in stroke victims can be minimized
through the use of t-PA, also known as the “clot buster.” Patients
are monitored according to national standards.
The Texas Neurosciences Institute is forming a
dedicated stroke team whose focus will be on excellence
in patient treatment and care, community outreach,
continuing education and certifications of nursing
What is a Stroke
Importance of Time
Every year, strokes strike nearly 550,000 Americans
- killing 150,000 and forever changing the lives
of the 400,000 who survive. learning these signs
of a stroke could save your life:
- Dizziness, loss
of balance or loss of coordination
- Sudden, unexplainable
and intense headache
- Weakness, numbness, or paralysis
of face, arm, or leg
- Difficulty speaking or understanding
- Sudden blurred or decreased
vision in one or both eyes
What is a Stroke
Stroke is a "brain attack", cutting of
vital supplies of blood and oxygen to the brain cells
that control everything we do - From speaking, to
walking, to breathing. These "brain attacks" occur
in different ways, but there are two main types.
A stroke happens when an artery becomes blocked (ischemic
stroke) or ruptures (hemorrhagic stroke).
An ischemic stroke is caused by blockage resulting
from a blood clot that forms either in an artery
of the brain or in another part of the body, like
the heart, and then travels through the blood stream
to the brain where it becomes lodged in a vessel.
The clot prevents the brain from receiving the oxygen
it needs to function properly. Once the brain cells
are deprived of blood and oxygen, they begin to die.
This may cause permanent damage to the affected area
of the brain and may result in disability or even
Importance of Time
Stroke is a medical emergency, and time is critical.
Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and being aware
of the time factor involved in seeking immediate
medical treatment can greatly reduce the chance of
permanent damage or disability.
All patience being considered for t-PA therapy must
have a CT (or CAT) scan, a physical examination,
blood tests, a neurological assessment, and a patient
history - all within a timeframe that will allow
t-PA treatment to begin with in three (3) hours of
symptom onset. When stroke patients get to the hospital
as early as possible, the doctors can work to determine
whether t-PA treatment is appropriate. Patients and
family members can help by answering any questions
asked of them.
New Treatment May Help
Everyone has some stroke risk - even you. the good
news is that more than half of all strokes can be
prevented by reducing risks, and in some cases, the
brain damage may be minimized with prompt medical
treatment utilizing t-PA, the "clot buster."
Treatment is Not Without Risk
As with many medications, there are risks involved
with t-PA therapy. This "clot-buster" medication
dissolves blood clots, therefore increasing the risk
of bleeding complications. One person in 15 given
t-PA, bleeds into the brain even if t-PA is administered
according to strict guidelines.
The required pre-treatment evaluation helps doctors
determine whether or not a stroke patient can be
treated with t-PA or whether that patient is at high
risk for unwanted bleeding or other adverse events.
In patients who meet the criteria to receive t-PA,
the benefit is greater than the risk.
While t-PA is a new treatment for the acute ischemic
stroke, it is not a new medication. It has been used
successfully in the past to treat heart attack patients.
If you are at risk of a stroke, please discuss with
your physician your eligibility and risk of treatment.
Prevention of Future Strokes
There are many risk factors for strokes, some of
which are beyond your control, such as being over
age 55, being a male, being African American, being
diabetic, or having a family history of stroke. Risk
factors include high blood pressure, heart disease,
obesity, and smoking.
While t-PA may be an effective treatment in carefully
selected patients with an acute ischemic stroke,
it does not treat the underlying cause. Through a
combination of medical attention and lifestyle changes,
you can significantly reduce your risk of a stroke.
Individuals who have suffered one stroke are at increased
risk of having another one. It is critical that individuals
who experience the symptoms of another stroke seek
emergency medical help immediately to take advantage
of t-PA treatment options.