What Are the Treatments for Acute Ischemic Stroke?
A stroke is an acute condition, meaning it has a rapid onset, caused by the interference in blood flow in the brain that results in a lack of oxygen and the death of brain cells. An ischemic stroke, which accounts for approximately 87 percent of all strokes according to the American heart Association, occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. This blockage may occur due to atherosclerosis, which causes the arteries to narrow, or the formation of blood clots. Several types of treatment now available for acute ischemic strokes decrease the incidence of death. However, the doctors at the Mayo Clinic stress the important of prompt treatment to minimize complications and permanent damage.
