[Future treatment of stroke. Brain injury can be reduced with drugs]

In all likelihood, ischaemia results in parallel damage to nerve cells and the microvasculature. The death of nerve cells--after ischaemia of extended duration--is followed by secondary damage to glial cells and the microvasculature. Several pharmacological agents have been shown experimentally to reduce cerebral infarction by improving the microcirculation or microvascular function, and reducing inflammatory reactions. However, pharmacological therapy must be started within six hours after onset.