title: Update on therapies for acute ischemic stroke.
abstract: Acute ischemic stroke is now considered a neurological emergency for which there are new therapies. Neurosurgeons and neurologists need to remain apprised of advances in this field. The authors discuss approved and emerging therapies for patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke, based on a review of recent publications. Currently, intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved therapy for acute ischemic stroke. Intraarterial delivery of thrombolytics is a promising treatment and may be effective in selected patients. Other therapies for acute cerebral ischemia are intriguing but still in the investigational stages.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA.
authors.forename: D D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Kindler
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Lopez
authors.forename: B B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Worrall
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Johnston
mesh_terms: D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007269:Injections, Intra-Arterial / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator