Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability world wide.
When the brain tissue does not receive adequate blood and oxygen it first ceases to function and then dies. This medication is given through the veins, and is designed to break up clots in the arteries that are the cause of many strokes. Unfortunately, most people who are having a stroke do not even reach the hospital during these first three crucial hours. Others do not improve with medication. However, there is some evidence that other types of treatment can be used, in selected patients, later in the course of stroke to limit the final size and the degree of impairment.