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Ischaemic Stroke

Ischaemic stroke is sudden neurological loss caused by blocked arterial blood flow to part of the brain.

Plavix

Clopidogrel

75mg

Formulated to target platelet aggregation, indicated to mitigate the risk of stroke and heart attack.

From$0.53/ tabletView

Key takeaways

  • Face droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty, vision loss or severe imbalance requires immediate emergency activation even if symptoms improve.
  • Brain imaging must exclude bleeding and identify vessel blockage before reperfusion treatment is selected.
  • Thrombolysis and thrombectomy are time-sensitive options for eligible patients, while later prevention depends on the stroke cause.

The listings below are not suitable for self-treatment of stroke symptoms; emergency stroke-team assessment is required.

The emergency pathway

Clinicians establish last-known-well time, neurological deficit, glucose, blood pressure and anticoagulant use, then obtain CT or MRI and vascular imaging. Some large-vessel occlusions remain eligible for thrombectomy beyond the earliest window based on advanced imaging.

Preventing another stroke

Antiplatelet treatment is used for many non-cardioembolic strokes, while atrial-fibrillation-related stroke generally needs anticoagulation after safe timing. Carotid disease, blood pressure, lipids, diabetes and smoking are addressed. Rehabilitation begins early and targets movement, speech, swallowing and cognition.

When to seek urgent care

Call emergency services immediately for sudden facial droop, arm or leg weakness, speech difficulty, vision loss, severe imbalance or confusion. Note the time symptoms began and do not drive yourself.