Stroke Treatment Sorry, your browser doesn't suppor Java. It is important that the patient seeks treatment early. Surgery may be needed when a neck artery has become partially blocked. Surgery might be used to remove the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque. This is called carotid endarterectomy .
Cerebral angioplasty is a new, experimental technique.
Balloons, stents and coils are used to treat some types of cerebral vascular problems. Its widespread use will require further study of safety and effectiveness. This is a major advance in medical therapy because physicians now have an approved treatment for acute strokes caused by blood clots, which constitute 80 percent of all strokes. A risk of bleeding in the brain accompanies use of the drug. However, that risk is outweighed by its benefits when an experienced doctor uses it properly.