Heparin and oral anticoagulants in the treatment of brain ischemia.

The use of heparin, heparin analogues, and oral anticoagulation in the treatment of brain ischemia remains controversial. We review the mechanism of action of the heparins and warfarin as well as the data regarding their efficacy and complications in patients with ischemic stroke and venous sinus thrombosis. None of these drugs have proven effective for all forms of cerebral ischemia. Further studies examining the efficacy of anticoagulants in different stroke subgroups will be necessary in order to clarify optimal clinical practice.