For which type of stroke are patients NOT candidates for "clot-busting" drugs?

Patients experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke are not candidates for "clot-busting" drugs, also known as thrombolytics, due to the nature of their condition. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, leading to bleeding in or around the brain. Administering clot-busting medications in this scenario could exacerbate the bleeding, causing further damage and increasing the risk of severe complications or death.

In contrast, ischemic strokes, which include both thrombotic and embolic types, are caused by a blockage in blood flow, making them suitable for clot-busting treatment. The aim of such medications is to dissolve the clot and restore blood flow to the affected area of the brain. However, in the case of hemorrhagic strokes, the risks far outweigh the potential benefits of these drugs, necessitating alternative approaches to management and treatment.