Thrombolytic therapy is the use of drugs to dissolve clots in blood vessels. This is a new way of treating strokes and other conditions such as cerebral ischemia and myocardial infarction. The process of treatment starts with hospitalization. A blood clot in the brain can block the flow of blood, causing a stroke. Doctors need to quickly remove the clot so that the blood can resume flowing through the blocked vessel. Thrombolytic therapy can be used to dissolve the clot.
How does thrombolytic therapy work?
Thrombolytic therapy works by dissolving the blood clot. Thrombolytics are drugs that dissolve clots in blood vessels. They work by breaking down the fibrin that holds the clot together. Fibrin is a protein that forms when blood clots. Thrombolytics are usually injected into a vein. They travel through the bloodstream to the area where the clot has formed. The drug dissolves the clot and the blood flows normally again.
When should thrombolytic therapy be used?
Doctors usually prescribe thrombolytic therapy for patients who have had a stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or reduced. This may happen because of a blood clot, which can form in the arteries of the brain.
When doctors think a patient may have a stroke, they will check the patient blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and blood oxygen level. If these are normal, doctors will ask the patient to rest, eat a light meal, and drink plenty of fluids. Doctors may also give the patient medicine to prevent further strokes.
Dr. Vikas Kathuria explains that the sooner the clot is removed, the better the chances of recovery. If the clot is not removed, it can grow larger and cause more damage.
What are the benefits of thrombolytic therapy?
Thrombolytic therapy can help improve the outcome of stroke. It can also help reduce the risk of death or disability. In addition, thrombolytic therapy may help prevent further strokes.
The benefits of thrombolytic therapy include:
• Faster recovery
• Better chance of surviving a stroke
• Reduced risk of death or disability
• Lessening of brain damage
• Improved quality of life
• Fewer complications