What medication can reverse the effects of a CVA if administered promptly?

• A. Aspirin
• B. tPA
• C. Heparin
• D. Warfarin

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is tPA, or tissue plasminogen activator, which is a thrombolytic medication specifically used to treat acute ischemic strokes (CVA). When administered within a critical time window—ideally within 3 to 4.5 hours from the onset of stroke symptoms—tPA works by dissolving the clot that is blocking blood flow to the brain, thus restoring circulation and minimizing brain damage.

Aspirin, while helpful in the long-term management of stroke and for preventing future events, does not reverse existing strokes. It is an antiplatelet agent and not effective in the acute management of an ischemic stroke where a thrombus is present.

Heparin, an anticoagulant, is also not used to reverse the effects of an acute ischemic stroke in the same immediate sense as tPA. Its role may be in the management of certain conditions such as deep vein thrombosis or in various other scenarios, but it does not have the same efficacy for quickly dissolving clots in the brain as tPA.

Warfarin serves as an anticoagulant as well, primarily used in the context of longer-term management of stroke risk (such as in patients with atrial fibrillation). Like hepar