International Psychogeriatrics
Volume 15, Supplement 1 - 2003

Acute Stroke
HUGH MARKUS

ABSTRACT. The treatment of patients with acute stroke is reviewed. Evidence of the existence of an ischemic penumbra in humans is presented. Different approaches to treatment of acute stroke include restoring blood flow by thrombolysis, neuroprotection, and early secondary prevention with aspirin. The evidence for each of these approaches is reviewed. Organization of stroke services, and particularly the use of stroke units, have been shown to significantly improve stroke outcome and these data are presented. 

KEYWORDS: Stroke; treatment