What percentage of ischemic stroke patients typically receive tPA treatment?

The percentage of ischemic stroke patients who typically receive tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment is indeed around 2-7%. This low percentage reflects various factors involved in the identification and treatment of ischemic stroke.

First, the administration of tPA is dependent on several strict criteria, including the timing of symptom onset and the presence of certain contraindications. tPA is most effective when given within a narrow time window, usually within 4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms, and many patients do not arrive at the hospital in time for treatment to be safely administered.

Additionally, not all patients with ischemic strokes are eligible for tPA due to potential contraindications such as the risk of bleeding or other medical conditions that would make its use unsafe. This narrows the patient population that can benefit from thrombolytic therapy.

Furthermore, awareness and recognition of stroke symptoms can also affect the overall percentage of patients treated with tPA. Not all patients or bystanders may recognize the urgency required for stroke treatment, leading to delays in presentation and subsequently impacting eligibility for tPA administration.

Thus, the figure of 2-7% accurately reflects the complexities of ischemic stroke management and the specific criteria necessary for the administration of tPA