[Antiplatelet therapy in secondary stroke prevention]

New studies have refined the role of antiplatelet therapy in secondary prevention after noncardioembolic strokes. The first line antiplatelet therapy remains Aspirin. Clopidogrel and the combination aspirine plus dipyridamole are suitable alternatives with a slightly better protection. Ticagrelor, a reversible P2Y12 receptor inhibitor used in cardiology, has not demonstrated its superiority to Aspirin. Early after stroke, a double antiplatelet therapy combining Aspirin and clopidogrel is increasingly administered as a recent study demonstrated a decrease in the incidence of cerebrovascular events after a minor stroke or high-risk TIA. This benefit is particularly high in patients with severe atherosclerotic disease. The duration of the double antiplatelet therapy should not exceed three months to reduce the haemorrhagic risk.