Antiplatelet therapy for transient ischaemic attacks and acute minor strokes: current best practice and future

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In patients presenting with transient ischaemic attacks and acute minor noncardioembolic ischemic strokes (NIHSS score ≤3) who did not receive intravenous alteplase, treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel, started within 24 hours of symptom onset and continued for 21 days is effective in reducing a recurrent ischemic stroke up to 90 days from the symptom onset. However, as the long-term risk of major disabling bleeding with aspirin-based antiplatelet treatment is higher in patients aged 75 years or older, routine co-prescription of proton pump inhibitor should be encouraged. KEYWORDS: Antiplatelet, Stroke, Transient-ischaemicattack, Prevention, Dual-antiplatelet