Tag: Stroke

Every minute counts during a stroke, as millions of brain cells are lost, making rapid treatment essential for minimizing disability. Emergency medical professionals work quickly to administer specific medications, depending on the type of stroke, with the most crucial question being: **What is given immediately after a stroke?**

According to the American Heart Association, ischemic strokes caused by a blood clot account for about 87% of all stroke cases. For these patients, antiplatelet therapy is a cornerstone of treatment, but the question remains: should aspirin be given after a stroke without medical supervision? The answer is a critical no, and understanding why is key to safe and effective treatment.

Up to 2 million brain cells die each minute during a stroke, making rapid treatment essential. Understanding **what emergency medicine is given after a stroke** is crucial, as the medications and treatment approach differ significantly based on the type of stroke a person has experienced.

Affecting up to 900,000 Americans annually, dangerous blood clots require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe health consequences. The answer to **what dissolves an existing blood clot?** lies in a powerful class of emergency medications known as thrombolytics, or 'clot-busters,' which are administered rapidly to break down clots and restore vital blood flow.

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), combining aspirin and Plavix (clopidogrel), has been shown to reduce recurrent cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes in specific high-risk patients. However, whether you should take 81 mg of aspirin with Plavix is a critical medical decision that balances increased protection against an elevated risk of bleeding, and should never be made without a doctor's specific instruction.

Studies show that up to 48% of stroke survivors experience chronic pain, making effective pain management a critical aspect of recovery [1.9.1]. The question of whether morphine is contraindicated in stroke, however, remains a topic of significant clinical debate due to its potential risks.

While fibrinolytic therapy can be a life-saving treatment for blood clots, clinicians must assess significant risks before administration, with the main concern being severe bleeding, especially intracranial hemorrhage. This is why a history of a prior brain bleed or recent major trauma is a definitive and absolute factor for which of these is likely a contraindication for receiving fibrinolytic therapy.

Over 80% of all strokes are ischemic, caused by blood clots that block blood flow to the brain. While thrombolytic therapy is a powerful emergency intervention to dissolve these clots, its use is strictly regulated by critical exclusion criteria. Knowing when should thrombolytic therapy not be used is crucial for patient safety and to prevent potentially catastrophic bleeding.

With an estimated 40,000 tonnes consumed annually, aspirin is one of the most widely used medications in the world. A versatile drug, understanding what are three common indications for aspirin is key to appreciating its broad therapeutic applications and different uses.

Streptokinase, a thrombolytic agent, can cause hemorrhagic stroke in approximately 1.4% of patients in some studies [1.6.5]. Understanding **when not to use streptokinase** is critical to prevent severe adverse events, particularly life-threatening bleeding [1.4.1, 1.4.4].