Does Thrombolysis Work for Stroke?

Thrombolysis can break down and disperse a clot that is preventing blood from reaching your brain. 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.

How effective is Thrombolysis in stroke?

The window of opportunity for effective thrombolysis is four and a half hours from the onset of the stroke and, in that time, a firm diagnosis of ischaemic stroke must be made. As a result, only about 1-11% of patients fulfil the criteria.

What type of stroke is thrombolysis used in?

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.