Thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke.

Data generated from randomized controlled trials in the last decade have shown that acute intervention can improve neurologic outcome in patients with ischemic stroke. This article reviews recent studies of systemic and intra-arterial thrombolysis for cerebrovascular disease in detail. Important considerations for treating patients with thrombolysis are explored, and theoretic and practical differences in the approach to patients with anterior and posterior circulation disease are highlighted.