Ischemic Stroke: An Imperative Need for Effective Therapy

Abstract

While it is currently estimated that stroke causes eight million annual deaths worldwide, the death rate only gives a first account of the overall burden of disease. Ischemic stroke is caused by the blockade or occlusion of the cerebral artery compromising blood supply and energy flow to the brain. The likelihood of restoration of blood flow depends on the extent of thrombosis within the cerebral artery. Thrombolysis is currently coupled with endovascular approaches for the removal and dissolution of occlusive thrombus. This chapter provides an overview of the current thrombolytic and endovascular treatment approaches for post-stroke care along with the emerging neuroprotective agents that are lost in translation.