[Ischemic stroke: new therapeutic possibilities]

Recent randomized placebo-controlled studies have introduced new concepts in the therapy of acute ischemic stroke, such as thrombolysis either with intraarterial or intravenous administration, lowering of the level of fibrinogen or administration of aspirin. High dosis of heparin may be useful only in certain groups of patients. Stroke units proved to be effective in the acute care of stroke patients. Further advances are achieved by the introduction of new anti-platelet drugs in secondary stroke prevention and by precise definitions of the criteria for carotid surgery.