Which thrombolytic agent is used for acute ischemic stroke?

• A. Aspirin
• B. Heparin
• C. Tissue plasminogen activator
• D. Warfarin

Answer: (C)

The key idea is dissolving the clot that blocks blood flow in the brain. A thrombolytic that does this activates plasminogen to plasmin, which breaks down fibrin in the clot. Tissue plasminogen activator does exactly this and is given intravenously to restore blood flow in acute ischemic stroke, ideally within a limited time window after onset and in patients who meet safety criteria. This direct clot-dissolving action is what makes it the best choice for acute treatment.

Aspirin, by contrast, helps prevent further platelet clumping but does not rapidly dissolve an existing clot. Heparin and warfarin are anticoagulants that affect the coagulation cascade to prevent new clots or the growth of existing ones over time, not to lyse the current clot quickly, and they carry bleeding risks if used in the acute stroke setting.