What medication is known to resolve a CVA but can worsen a hemorrhagic CVA?

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

Answer: (C)

The medication that can resolve a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), specifically an ischemic stroke, but can worsen a hemorrhagic CVA is tissue plasminogen activator, commonly known as tPA. tPA is a thrombolytic agent used in the acute management of ischemic strokes by dissolving the blood clots that obstruct blood flow to the brain. Administering tPA greatly improves outcomes when given within the appropriate time window following the onset of stroke symptoms.

However, in the case of a hemorrhagic stroke, which involves bleeding into the brain, the administration of tPA can exacerbate the situation by increasing the risk of further bleeding. Using tPA in a patient with a hemorrhagic CVA can lead to significant complications, including increased morbidity and mortality due to the worsening of the intracranial hemorrhage. Therefore, it is critically important to confirm the type of CVA through imaging studies before administering tPA to avoid harmful outcomes.