PubMed1991
Treatment after an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) should target the presumed cause of the initial episode to facilitate focused prophylaxis. In the majority of ischemic strokes, degenerative large- and small-vessel disease is the cause. In these patients, attention to modifiable risk factors is an important priority. However, uncertainty and controversy remain regarding therapy, although issues are gradually being settled. There are now strong scientific data to support the use of carotid endarterectomy in patients with 70% to 99% stenosis and an ipsilateral TIA or nondisabling stroke. Aspirin is accepted as standard preventive therapy and should be used in all patients with a TIA or stroke, including those who undergo endarterectomy. Although the dose most commonly used in clinical trials is 1,300 mg/day, a daily dose of 325 mg is probably equally effective with less gastrotoxicity. Given present evidence, use of dipyridamole (Persantine) is not warranted. The role of ticlopidine hydrochloride (Ticlid) in stroke prophylaxis is not well defined. Its superiority over aspirin demonstrated in one study may make it the drug of first choice despite its expense and side effects. The efficacy of warfarin sodium (Coumadin, Panwarfin, Sofarin) or heparin in ischemic stroke caused by degenerative cerebrovascular disease is not supported by scientific data, but no prospective controlled studies have demonstrated that these agents are ineffective. Therefore, it seems prudent to reserve anticoagulant therapy for situations in which an ongoing thrombotic process is likely (eg, progressing stroke). Heparin therapy in the immediate post-TIA period is not warranted on the basis of current scientific evidence.