Recognizing Stroke Symptoms and Understanding Treatment Options

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and a cause of death in the US. Each year, approximately 795,000 Americans experience a stroke. Nearly 87% of these are ischemic strokes, which occur when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked. An estimated 1.9 million neurons are lost every minute during an untreated ischemic stroke, making prompt diagnosis and treatment critical. Recognizing stroke symptoms early and seeking immediate medical attention can help improve recovery.

How We Treat Acute Ischemic Stroke

For patients experiencing an acute ischemic stroke, our stroke team may utilize tenecteplase (TNK) based on national clinical guidelines. As a thrombolytic therapy, TNK effectively dissolves clots to restore blood flow to the brain. Its administration as a single intravenous dose allows for rapid treatment, which clinical evidence shows can reduce disability and improve functional recovery for eligible patients.

Advancements in Stroke Treatment

Traditionally, clot-dissolving medications were available only within a few hours of stroke symptom onset. Advances in stroke imaging have expanded this timeframe.

Using advanced CT perfusion imaging, the stroke team can identify patients who still have salvageable brain tissue, even if they present beyond the traditional treatment window. At St. Luke's Health, eligible patients may receive TNK up to 24 hours from the time they were last known to be well, provided they meet imaging and clinical selection criteria. 

"This expanded treatment window for TNK allows us to offer a potentially life-changing therapy to more patients who arrive at the hospital outside the traditional timeframe, giving them a greater chance at recovery," said Hormozd Bozorgchami, MD, Interventional Neurologist at St. Luke’s Health - The Woodlands Hospital.

Extended TNK Treatment at St. Luke's Health

Since June 2026, St. Luke's Health-The Woodlands Hospital and St. Luke's Health-Springwoods Village Hospital have implemented an extended TNK treatment protocol for select patients with acute ischemic stroke. This protocol allows for the treatment of select patients up to 24 hours after they were last known to be well, based on advanced imaging that demonstrates salvageable brain tissue.

This protocol aligns with current advances in stroke care and the 2026 American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recommendations supporting thrombolytic therapy in appropriately selected patients using advanced imaging. St. Luke's Health is among the early centers in the region to implement an extended-window TNK protocol for eligible patients.

Important Information

Extended-window TNK is for carefully selected patients after evaluation by the stroke team. The evaluation uses advanced brain imaging and established clinical criteria. Not all patients presenting beyond the conventional treatment window will qualify.

The use of TNK in the extended time window is an FDA off-label application. Treatment is based on scientific evidence, published clinical trials and current American Heart Association and /American Stroke Association recommendations. Treatment decisions are individualized by the stroke team.

Patients experiencing stroke symptoms should call 911 immediately. Rapid EMS activation is a way to access stroke care.

Remember BE FAST:

• Balance – Sudden loss of balance or coordination

• Eyes – Sudden vision loss or double vision

• Face – Facial drooping

• Arm – Arm weakness

• Speech – Slurred speech or difficulty speaking

• Time – Call 911 immediately

Taking control of your health begins with information. Find a doctor today to discuss your personal health goals and learn more about our comprehensive neurological services.