Dual antiplatelet therapy for acute minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack

A renewed interest in dual antiplatelet (DAP) therapy for patients with acute ischemic neurological events manifested in the form of minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) has been recently observed. These events are well-known precursors of recurrent symptomatology (often a fatal stroke), as it has been repeatedly shown by a large number of studies, including the Oxford Vascular Study (OXVASC). Although the period of risk often spans up to a few years or even life-long for patients with a cardioembolic cause, only in recent years it has been realized that during the very early period after a noncardioembolic the risk is extremely high. This observation has led to increased awareness for these conditions—especially for TIAs—and a call for prompt action to manage the exact cause of the ischemic event and eventually prevent its recurrence.