Question

Approximately what percentage of strokes are ischemic in nature, and thus eligible for fibrinolytic therapy if the patient qualifies?

A) 80
B) 70
C) 60
D) 50

Answer 1

Around 90% of strokes are ischemic and can be treated with fibrinolytic therapy if criteria are met. The treatment typically involves tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) given within 3 to 4 hours of the stroke.

Step-by-step explanation:

Approximately 90% of strokes are ischemic in nature. Ischemic strokes occur due to a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the brain, often caused by an embolus originating from a plaque or from the heart during arrhythmia. When this happens, the affected part of the brain does not receive enough oxygen, which leads to the death of brain cells. Fibrinolytic therapy, such as with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), can be administered if a patient is eligible and within a narrow time window, usually 3 to 4 hours from the onset of the stroke, to dissolve the clot and improve patient outcomes.