Dual antiplatelet therapy for minor ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack

Abstract

Traditional preventive management of patients suffering from a minor ischemic stroke and/or transient ischemic attack indicated dual antiplatelet agents for 90 days. Newer clinical trial data suggest that therapeutic effectiveness is reached much sooner than previous guideline recommendations. Continued use of dual antiplatelet therapy beyond newly studied durations of efficacy has shown an increased risk in hemorrhagic complications with little to no additional preventive benefit. This article highlights newer trial data and recognizes a significant change in therapeutic management for patients suffering a minor ischemic stroke and/or transient ischemic attack.