What is the treatment for a stroke that involves restoring blood flow to the brain?

The treatment for a stroke that focuses on restoring blood flow to the brain is tPA, or tissue plasminogen activator. tPA is a thrombolytic agent that works by dissolving the blood clots that obstruct blood flow to the affected area of the brain during an ischemic stroke, which is the most common type. Administering tPA within a specific time window after the onset of stroke symptoms can significantly improve outcomes and reduce potential long-term damage.

In contrast, corticosteroids, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants serve different purposes in medical treatment. Corticosteroids are often used to reduce inflammation, antidepressants focus on managing mood disorders, and anticonvulsants are prescribed to control seizures that may occur after a stroke but do not directly target the underlying cause of blood flow obstruction. Therefore, tPA is the critical treatment for directly restoring blood flow in the context of an ischemic stroke.