As a specialist hyper acute stroke unit we are able to provide a range of stroke treatments and procedures.
This page provides you with information about different types of stroke treatments. You can find out more about different types of strokes on our website.
Hyper acute stroke treatments
Thrombolysis
If you have had an ischaemic stroke and arrive within four and a half hours, you may be eligible for thrombolysis ‘clot busting’ medications.
This is given intravenously (straight into the vein) and tries to break up the clot blocking the blood supply.
Thrombectomy
Mechanical thrombectomy is a treatment to remove clots that block large blood vessels. You may be able to have this procedure using an angiogram or a catheterisation. This uses a special a device that grabs clots and removes them to re-establish blood flow to the brain.
Unfortunately, not everyone can have a mechanical thrombectomy as it can only be given to you if you have a large vessel that’s blocked.
Our thrombectomy service is currently available seven days a week between 9am and 5pm.
Anticoagulant reversal
This is a treatment for haemorrhagic stroke patients who have been taking anticoagulation medications and need emergency reversal.
Hemicraniectomy
A decompressive craniectomy is brain surgery that removes a portion of the skull.
When the brain swells following an injury, the pressure in the brain can build inside the skull causing further damage.
The body’s natural healing response to injury is to swell. However, swelling in the brain can be dangerous because the skull restricts the swelling and pushes on the brain.
Removing a portion of the skull can reduce the risk of severe brain damage, and may even be life-saving.
Further information
Find out more about stroke treatments on the Stroke Association website
