What is the time frame for thrombolytic administration after last known well (LKW)?

Thrombolytic therapy, particularly with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), is a critical treatment for ischemic stroke and must be administered promptly to maximize patient outcomes. The established guideline for the time frame for administering thrombolytics is within 3 hours from the last known well (LKW) time. Administering treatment within this window significantly improves the chances of restoring blood flow to the affected area of the brain, ultimately enhancing recovery and reducing long-term disability.

Research has shown that the benefits of thrombolytic therapy diminish rapidly after the 3-hour mark. While there is a broader time frame of up to 4.5 hours that can be applied in certain cases with specific criteria being met, the foundational guideline remains that the earlier the intervention, the better the prognosis for brain health and functional recovery. Therefore, the correct answer refers to the critical 3-hour window that remains a standard in stroke management.