Antithrombotic Therapy for Heterogeneous Causes of Stroke

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and a primary cause of long-term disability. Patients surviving the initial event are at a high risk of recurrent ischemic events, highlighting the critical importance of selecting the appropriate secondary preventive measures after a stroke or transient-ischemic attack (TIA). In this chapter, the current treatment recommendations are discussed, summarizing the currently recommended antithrombotic therapeutics for use in non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke or TIA, and symptomatic extracranial carotid and vertebral artery stenosis treatment, as well as for preventative treatment prior to surgical procedures. The relationship of COVID-19 and a wide range of neurological disorders is discussed. Available heterogeneous stroke evidence and guidelines are summarized.