Module 4: Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment

When an ischemic stroke occurs, blood flow is compromised to an area of the brain. The area where there is no blood flow is called the “core,” and the cells are thought to die within seconds to minutes of stroke onset. The surrounding regions (around the core) where there is diminished blood flow is called the “ischemic penumbra." The cells in the penumbra may remain viable for several hours; therefore, this area is the focus for acute pharmaceutical and interventional treatment.

This module discusses Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and non-FDA approved acute treatments for ischemic stroke. These treatments are generally administered during the first six hours of symptom onset, which is the acute phase of stroke care.

The module is divided into the following lessons, plus case studies:

• Lesson 1: Alteplase Overview
• Lesson 2: Alteplase Administration and Care
• Lesson 3: Other Stroke Treatments

Lessons appear in the menu on the left. You may proceed through the lessons in any order, though a linear progression is recommended. Quick check questions appear at the end of every lesson. These questions measure your understanding of the content and are for self-assessment only. Your responses will not be scored.

When you have completed the module, click Completion Certificate (in the left menu) to print a completion certificate. You will earn 2.5 hours of learning hours after completing this module.

Select a lesson now to proceed, or click the Lesson 1 link in the lower right corner of the screen.