Category: Neurology

While tPA therapy has been shown to double the odds of a favorable outcome for eligible patients with ischemic stroke, it carries significant risks. The most serious and feared among these is intracranial hemorrhage, a risk that increases to approximately 6% for those receiving the medication. Understanding **what are the risks of tPA therapy** is crucial for patients and families facing this critical decision.

According to the National Institutes of Health, cardiovascular instability is a common and serious complication of spinal cord injury (SCI), often manifesting as low blood pressure, or hypotension. This occurs because the injury disrupts the autonomic nervous system's ability to control blood vessel constriction and heart rate, profoundly impacting a spinal patient's hemodynamics.

According to research published in *Stroke*, about 5% of older stroke survivors were prescribed a benzodiazepine for the first time within 90 days of their ischemic stroke. The question, 'Can a stroke patient take diazepam?' is complex, and the decision depends on the specific type of stroke and patient factors, requiring careful consideration by a medical professional.

According to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association guidelines, a calcium channel blocker is the only pharmacological treatment with established effectiveness for improving outcomes in patients following a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The specific drug used for this purpose is nimodipine, administered to reduce the risk of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) caused by vasospasm.

Current guidelines from major stroke organizations recommend a standard delay of at least 24 hours after tPA infusion before considering anticoagulation. This crucial waiting period is designed to significantly minimize the risk of a potentially devastating intracranial hemorrhage, as combining these powerful agents too early can be dangerous.

Approximately 10-20% of all strokes are hemorrhagic, where bleeding occurs inside the brain. Understanding **what drugs cause hemorrhagic strokes** is crucial for patients and healthcare providers to mitigate the serious risks associated with various prescribed medications and illicit substances.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for nearly 15% of all acute strokes and carries a high fatality rate. A critical, and often complex, medical decision for these patients is determining when to restart statin after hemorrhagic stroke, balancing the risks of recurrent bleeding with the benefits of long-term cardiovascular protection.

Coronary artery vasospasm (CAVS) is most prevalent in individuals aged 40 to 70. This article explores a primary treatment: what calcium channel blockers are used for vasospasms, detailing their mechanism, types, and applications in conditions like cerebral and coronary artery spasms.

Following an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), patients are at significant risk of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), a leading cause of severe disability and mortality. The standard of care to mitigate this risk involves a specific CCB: Nimodipine.

Hypertension is a critical factor in approximately 80% of intracerebral hemorrhage cases, making immediate blood pressure control vital. This raises the clinical question: why nicardipine in hemorrhagic stroke for acute management?