Chapter 5: Neuroprotective Therapies for Ischemic Stroke

Stroke morbidity and mortality rates have been increasing over recent years, mainly in low-income countries, which, according to the World Health Organization, account for 80% of cases, owing to the fact that there has been an increase in the prevalence of associated risk factors, mainly atherosclerosis. Since neurological outcomes depend on the method and timeframe in which the patient is treated, the study of new and better pharmacological treatments and preventive therapies is of great importance. Different mechanisms of damage are involved in the evolution of the ischemic lesion, and each one represents a target for treatment. In line with this, therapeutic strategies should be developed with the aim of inhibiting one or some of these damaging mechanisms, including those arising from the initial lack of oxygen and glucose delivery, up to the immune response observed after stroke. The ultimate aim of treatment should be to reduce morbidity and mortality and, most importantly, to improve patients’ quality of life by inducing neuroprotection and generating neural recovery in an effort to reduce inferior neurological outcomes and permanent disabilities.