Table 1.

Strategies for treatment and prevention of ischemic stroke. Immediate (i.e., emergent) interventions for ischemic stroke include recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) infusion and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). In addition to these approaches, preventative measures can be instituted for patients at high risk for stroke or to prevent recurrent stroke. Rehabilitative strategies are utilized to facilitate post-stroke recovery and to reduce the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke.

	Type	Goal
Immediate	r-tPA (Alteplase)
	i.v. infusion Must be administered no more than 4.5 h after onset of stroke symptoms.	Fibrinolysis Restoration of perfusion of ischemic brain tissue
	EVT
	Surgical approach where stent retriever is used to remove slot from occluded blood vessel. Must be conducted no more than 6 h after onset of stroke symptoms	Restore perfusion to ischemic grain tissue. EVT is commonly recommended for large vessel occlusion
Preventative	Lifestyle changes
	Physical activity Smoking Cessation	20-30 min of aerobic exercise 5 days a week improves cardiovascular health. Reduces negative effects of tobacco on cardiovascular health
	Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Medications
	Warfarin (anticoagulant) Aspirin (antiplatelet)	Reduction in time to thrombolysis leads to reduced stroke incidence
	Carotid Endarterectomy
	Surgical procedure involving removal of atherosclerotic plaque from carotid arteries.	Reduction in risk of new or recurrent ischemic stroke.
	Cerebral Angioplasty or Stenting
	Surgical procedure involving either a balloon catheter (angioplasty) or insertion of a mesh steel brace (stent) into an occluded artery.	Increase cerebral reperfusion and reduce risk of recurrent ischemic stroke.
Rehabilitative	Pharmacotherapy
	Statins Antihypertensive Drugs ACE inhibitors	Improve neurocognitive recovery Reduce risk of recurrent stroke
	Supportive Care
	Speech therapy Occupational therapy Physical therapy	Improve motor and cognitive functionality