Thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke.

The approval of thrombolytic therapy for acute stroke represents a revolution in the approach to treatment of acute stroke. For the first time there is a clinically proven therapy to improve outcome of acute ischemic stroke and this therapy is likely to be a harbinger of an entirely new era of acute therapies. The management of stroke now requires a rapid response involving a multi-disciplinary team approach. The formation of Acute Stroke Intervention Teams and designated treatment centers will ensure that rapid, carefully administered acute stroke therapy is available to all eligible patients. The PCP has the invaluable role of not only promoting preventive care for cerebrovascular disease but also of educating patients on how to recognize the symptoms of stroke and providing guidance in obtaining appropriate acute therapies for stroke.