How do they work?
There are numerous kinds of treatment options that a doctor can prescribe to stroke patients: tPA, a thrombolytic; blood thinners; as well as drugs that reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator)
Also known as clot busters, tPA is typically meant for patients with ischemic stroke. This is a type of stroke that occurs because of a clot). It can provide relief by dissolving the clot.
This treatment should be given immediately or within four hours of the stroke symptoms. Treatment with tPA can minimize the severity of the stroke and somewhat reverse its effect, allowing you to recover faster.
Blood Thinners
In this category, we have antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs.
Antiplatelet drugs
When you injure your skin, platelets come together to form a clot to stop the bleeding. In the same way, when blood vessel injuries occur, platelets form clots to fix the vessels. The problem is that a clot in an already stressed artery can cause a stroke.
Antiplatelets drugs prevent platelet plug formation, thereby keeping the artery clot free. Some examples include acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), aspirin, clopidogrel, etc. Ensure to seek medical advice before taking any of these medications.
Anticoagulants
These are blood thinners that stop the formation of news clots and prevent existing clots from increasing in size. They are typically prescribed for patients with irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation), which can result in blood clots that flow from the heart to the brain. Examples include heparin and warfarin.