Every year about 800,000 people suffer a stroke in the United States. It is the leading preventable cause of disability, according to the American Stroke Association (ASA).

Significant risk factors include atrial fibrillation (a heart rhythm disorder) and hypertension (high blood pressure). Treating these conditions can significantly reduce the risk of first or recurrent stroke.

About 80 percent of clot-related strokes (ischemic) may be preventable, according to the ASA.

As medical director for the Scripps Health stroke program, Mary Kalafut, MD, knows the best way to treat strokes, or brain attacks, is to respond rapidly. 

“We need to move fast because every minute can cost brain recovery,” said Dr. Kalafut. “The emergency room team must recognize a stroke and alert the stroke team, including the neurologist.” 

Upon a stroke patient’s arrival to the emergency room, blood is drawn and a CT scan is completed. This information is combined with a physical exam and patient history. If the patient comes to the emergency room within the first four and a half hours of the onset of the stroke, the standard treatment is to administer a clot-busting medication called tPA. 

“In some cases, we can perform neurointerventional surgery, in which a wire is guided through blood vessels to the area of blockage and the clot is removed,” said Dr. Kalafut.