NEW AND INVESTIGATIONAL TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ISCHEMIC STROKE

We conducted a MEDLINE search of new treatment strategies and experime ntal agents for treating acute ischemic stroke published from 1989-199 6. Clinical trials involving thrombolytics, glutamine release inhibiti on, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonism, opioid antagonism, calci um channel blockade, free radical scavenging, membrane stabilization, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 antagonism, ganglioside administrati on, and growth factor administration were included. Basic research art icles were selected based on progress of the therapeutic class toward clinical trials. Approval of tissue plasminogen activator indicates pr ogress in new treatments for acute ischemic stroke. Experimental thera pies with potential may become available soon. Recognizing signs and s ymptoms of stroke is crucial to ensure prompt administration of these agents. The time to diagnosis determines the therapeutic approach for acute ischemic stroke.