5.6K views · 76 reactions | Recognizing the signs of a stroke and getting to The Johns Hopkins Hospital quickly meant Althea got the clot busting medication tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), which saved her life. Watch her story to learn what you can do in a similar situation and how the Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Stroke Center is continually making research advances in stroke treatments. #StrokeMonth | Johns Hopkins Medicine | Facebook

Alteplase is a type of fibrinolytic agent-or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) - this means it is a "clot busting" medication! This drug works by activating an enzyme called plasmin, which aims to dissolve any thrombi in the body. So this is great for any vessel-occluding clots like we'd see in stroke or MI...but one major side effect we have to keep in mind is 🩸 bleeding! That's why we won't give it to clients on other anticoagulants, after recent surgery or trauma, or those who have brain tu