Treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.

Abstract

Atherosclerotic stenosis of the major intracranial arteries is an important cause of ischemic stroke. Antiplatelet agents and aggressive management of atherosclerotic risk factors, including hypertension, should play a central role in the prevention of vascular events in patients with intracranial arterial stenosis. Angioplasty and stenting are also among current therapeutic options. A randomized controlled trial of intracranial stenting plus aggressive medical therapy versus aggressive medical therapy alone is needed to determine the optimal treatment for patients with severe symptomatic intracranial stenosis.