Drug therapy

Depending on the type of stroke suffered, several different medications can be used for treatment:

t-PA, commonly known as Activase, is a drug that dissolves blood clots that obstruct blood flow to the brain. It is generally used to treat ischemic strokes, the most common type of stroke. This drug is classified as a thrombolytic agent and works by dissolving the blood clots that block brain arteries. These clot busting drugs are currently the only method available to break up an existing blood clot in the brain.

Antiplatelet drugs prevent clotting and are usually prescribed as prevention. The most commonly used is aspirin. You must always consult with your doctor before treating yourself with aspirin to prevent stroke, as it is known to cause bleeding and irritation in the stomach for some people.

Anticoagulant drugs reduce stroke risk by reducing the clotting property of the blood. The most commonly used include warfarin (known as Coumadin) and heparin.

Neuroprotective agents are medications that make the brain less susceptible to the damaging effects of a stroke. Many of these drugs are in clinical research trials and are not yet approved for use.

Sources:
American Heart Association
Emory University School of Medicine
Heart Center Online
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute