Advances in reperfusion and clot retrieval have dramatically altered the outcome for ischaemic stroke patients, but time to treatment is still the critical factor.

The proportion of people who can be helped has increased, said neurologist, Professor Bruce Campbell on a recent Healthed podcast. He went on to explain the effectiveness of reperfusion agents, alteplase and the newer tenecteplase in restoring the blood supply to ischaemic brain tissue if given in the first few hours after a stroke. These agents reduced the disability that was, for so long, the natural consequence of such an event.