Expanding Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke beyond Revascularization

Stroke continues to be a leading cause of disability and death. Although revascularization with thrombolysis and thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke has had a substantial effect on stroke outcomes, only a limited number of patients with stroke receive these treatments. Moreover, a sizeable proportion of patients treated with thrombolysis do not improve even when treated early. Antiplatelet agents are widely used for the management and prevention of stroke, and they are considered the first-line medication for patients who are not eligible for thrombolysis or starting 24 hours after thrombolysis because these agents reduce the risk of recurrent stroke and cardiovascular . . .