What is TPA?

TPA stands for Tissue Plasminogen Activator  which works by dissolving the clot from an Ischaemic  stroke and improving blood flow to the part of the brain  that has been deprived of blood flow.  

TPA must be given within 3 hours from when the stroke occurred so immediate diagnosis of the stroke using  is critical.  It is important to get the patient to hospital as soon as they experience any signs or symptoms of a stroke so that tests such as CT or MRI can be conducted to establish if it is an Ischaemic  stroke  and to see if the patient is suitable for TPA treatment. TPA treatment is not suitable treatment for Haemorrhagic strokes.

To be suitable for TPA the patient must be :

  • Age 18 years or older
  • Clinical diagnosis of ischaemic stroke with a measurable neurological deficit
  • Time of onset (when patient was last seen as normal) must be less than 3 hours before treatment would begin


There are many other aspects that the  treating medical team must consider and various factors which will influence if  TPA  can be given.  Some of these include if the patient has other particular medical conditions.

All suspected stroke symptoms  should be treated as a medical emergency and emergency services should be called  immediately- Australia 000 and USA 911