HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Tissue Plasminogen Activator (t-PA) for Stroke
Why It Is Used
Tissue plasminogen activator can be
used to treat some people who are having a
Reference stroke Opens New Window caused by a blood clot (Reference ischemic stroke Opens New Window Reference 
Opens New Window). It is
given in a vein (intravenously, or IV) and in some cases may be given directly
into an artery.
The medicine works best if it is given right away after stroke symptoms begin. Strict criteria must be met in order to use the medicine. The medicine can be used to prevent disability after a stroke.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 7, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation |
|
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