If one day you or an adult in your household experiences weakness, numbness on one side of the body, facial drooping, crooked mouth, slurred speech, inability to answer simple questions, drowsiness leading to unconsciousness, and abnormal breathing, these symptoms are part of an ischemic stroke. When these signs are observed, you should immediately call the “Mobile Emergency Stroke Ambulance”.
Many people may not know that currently, there is technology to treat ischemic stroke by administering clot-dissolving medication immediately in the Mobile CT & Stroke Treatment Unit ambulance. When the doctor and ambulance arrive at the patient, the diagnostic process can begin immediately using various equipment and tools inside the ambulance. There is also a team of specialist doctors supporting the treatment at the hospital at all times.
However, if the patient cannot receive treatment within 180 minutes from the onset of symptoms, the use of “clot-dissolving medication” may not be possible as it could be dangerous for the patient. In this case, “clot retrieval” upon arrival at the hospital is the second option that stroke specialists will consider for immediate treatment.
Stroke Patients and the Use of Clot-Dissolving Medication
Generally, for ischemic stroke treatment, doctors administer clot-dissolving medication intravenously. Medical research shows that if the medication is given correctly and promptly—within 3 hours after symptom onset—the results are best. However, this medication is ineffective and risky if administered after more than 6 hours from symptom onset. Therefore, the speed of seeing a doctor and the ability of the patient or relatives to report the exact time symptoms began are also very important.
Characteristics of Clot-Dissolving Medication
Clot-dissolving medication (rt-PA) is a drug used to stimulate the dissolution of blood clots that block blood flow. It works by opening the blocked blood vessel wider to allow blood to flow normally to the brain. This helps the brain tissue that has been deprived of blood for a short time to recover and reduces brain tissue death. Therefore, the sooner the patient receives the medication, the lower the chance of brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation.
Currently, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital is ready to provide emergency treatment with the MSU (Mobile Stroke Unit) ambulance, operating 24 hours a day. The ambulance is equipped with devices, a medical team, and professional nurses ready to treat stroke patients immediately upon arrival. The doctor will take the patient’s history, perform blood tests, and conduct a CT scan to decide on clot-dissolving medication administration immediately. The hospital also prepares the operating room and medical team to continue treatment as soon as the patient arrives.
Clot Retrieval Stroke Treatment Within 8 Hours
Clot retrieval is an innovative treatment for ischemic stroke that does not require major surgery. The doctor removes the blood clot blocking the brain’s blood vessel to restore blood flow to the brain cells in the affected area.
Doctors consider clot retrieval for patients who arrive at the hospital too late for clot-dissolving medication or for those who have received the medication but it was not sufficiently effective due to a large clot. This treatment should be performed within 8 hours from the onset of symptoms.
Methods and Essential Equipment for Clot Retrieval
The essential equipment for “clot retrieval” is a digital angiography machine with high-resolution imaging to create 3D images, allowing doctors to see the exact location of the blocked blood vessel for precise treatment.
The doctor performs the procedure by inserting a catheter through the femoral artery in the groin, advancing it to the site of the clot in the brain’s blood vessel. The position is visualized via digital X-ray images. Then, a small coil (stent) is inserted through the catheter to the clot site and expanded like a small mesh or basket to capture the clot. The doctor carefully pulls the coil with the attached clot out through the catheter and femoral artery simultaneously.
Clot retrieval is a procedure requiring specialized skills and expertise in interventional radiology. It involves knowledge of blood vessels and specialized imaging techniques and requires coordinated teamwork among multidisciplinary professionals such as neurologists, anesthesiologists, and professional nurses to ensure patient safety and effective treatment.
Health Care to Prevent Stroke and Paralysis
Although “clot-dissolving medication” and “clot retrieval” are effective treatments with a high chance of patient recovery, the best approach is to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke or paralysis by maintaining good health. Avoid being overweight, limit fatty, sweet, and salty foods, exercise regularly, and get enough rest. Moreover, when reaching an age with increased risk, it is advisable to undergo health check-ups and stroke risk screening. These tests are easy, convenient, quick, and very beneficial because knowing the condition of your blood vessels helps improve prevention.
