Stroke Treatments

UT Southwestern Medical Center offers expertise in every technique, approach, and medication available to stop – and in some cases, reverse – the devastating effects of stroke.

Designated as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center by the American Stroke Association and The Joint Commission, UT Southwestern is recognized for providing the highest level of care available anywhere.

If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of a stroke, it is a medical emergency. Call 911 and go to the nearest stroke center in an ambulance.

How Are Strokes Treated?

Most strokes are caused by blood clots, so treatments usually involve dissolving or removing the clots. These treatments include:

Intravenous thrombolytics: Medicines for ischemic stroke such as tenecteplase (TNK) that can dissolve the clot causing the stroke. They can be administered up to 4.5 hours after the patient’s “last known well” (the time prior to hospital arrival at which the patient was last known to be without the current stroke’s symptoms). It is crucial for patients to get help immediately to have the best chance for recovery.
Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT): The newest treatment for major strokes, EVT removes the blood clot that’s causing the stroke. UT Southwestern was among the first hospitals in the country to offer this treatment, years before it was confirmed as the standard of care in 2015.

UT Southwestern also offers advanced neurosurgical care for cerebrovascular disorders such as brain aneurysms, brain vascular malformations, carotid artery disease, and other cerebrovascular disorders that could be the underlying cause of a stroke.

Beyond acute (emergency) stroke care, we offer:

Primary prevention strategies for patients at risk for strokes, including those diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and people who have had at least one stroke.
Secondary prevention for patients who have already experienced a stroke and need help decreasing their risk for future strokes.

Learn more about stroke risk factors.