Stroke Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Stroke, including details on treatment, recovery, rehabilitation, signs, symptoms.

Antithrombotic and thrombolytic therapy for ischemic stroke.

Ocava LC, Singh M, Malhotra S, Rosenbaum DM

Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.

Thrombolytic and antithrombotic agents form the cornerstone of stroke treatment and prevention. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator improves outcome in patients treated within 3 hours of stroke onset. Emerging trials are directed to extend the therapeutic window and identify agents that could provide better safety profiles. Large, randomized trials have also highlighted the effectiveness and safety of early and continuous antiplatelet therapy in reducing atherothrombotic stroke recurrence. Aspirin has become the antiplatelet treatment standard against which several other antiplatelet agents have been shown to be more effective. The prevention of cardioembolic stroke is best accomplished with oral anticoagulation, barring any contraindications.

Published 26 December 2005 in Clin Geriatr Med, 22(1): 135-54, ix-x.
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