Why are clot busting drugs which can be given soon after a stroke not more readily available?
Clot busting drugs are currently only being used in some parts of the country. One of the problems with implementing this acute treatment for stroke is that it has to be administered within a few hours, to be effective. However it can not be administered unless the cause of the stroke has been confirmed, by a scan, to be due to a clot and not a bleed. Therefore increased awareness of the symptoms of stroke and the need for urgent medical attention has also to be considered. Until we have organised services in place that can meet these criteria, we will not be able to routinely use clot busting treatment as the risk of haemorrhage is too great.
