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(904) 244-0411

Treatment Options

Symptoms? Call 911

Treatment options and follow-up care for patients diagnosed as having a stroke may include:

  • Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
    University of Florida neurologists were the first in Jacksonville to routinely use tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a drug that dissolves blood clots that block arteries leading to the brain. If administered within the first 4.5 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms, tPA may reverse the debilitating effects of stroke. tPA is not clinically appropriate for everyone. Patients who have high blood pressure, have suffered a transient ischemic attack or suffer from other illnesses may not be candidates.
  • Thrombectomy
    If you have an ischemic stroke (stroke caused by a blood clot in your brain) doctors can sometimes do a procedure called a thrombectomy to remove the clot. A doctor threads a catheter (thin, hollow tube) through an artery in the groin up to your brain. Once the catheter is in place, the doctor uses a tiny mechanical device to break up or remove the clot. This can be a tiny suction cup, fluid jet or other device. In 2018, the American Stroke Association endorsed this procedure in some patients for up to 24 hours from the last time seen normal.
  • Life management options
    Stroke patients may experience symptoms such as paralysis, difficulty with or loss of speech, and weakness of the limbs. University of Florida physicians treat patients with the latest therapies to assist with stroke rehabilitation and life management activities.
  • Rehabilitation
    Comprehensive Stroke Program staff members work with a variety of therapists for stroke patient rehabilitation, including physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, strength training and daily living skills. Patient rehabilitation progress is closely monitored and maintenance programs are prescribed for life management after stroke. More about rehabilitation
  • Physiatrics
    Comprehensive Stroke Program physiatrists specialize in prescribing specific physical therapies and sports medicine rehabilitation therapies for stroke patients based on their symptoms and lifestyles.
  • Education and support groups
    The stroke support group offers stroke patients and their families the opportunity to learn more about stroke treatments and stroke prevention. "Stroke Busters" meets on the third Thursday of each month through November from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Banquet Room in Tower II, 10th floor at UF Health Jacksonville. Contact Lindsey Perrotta, DNP, RN, SCRN, at 904-244-9098 for more information.