Decompressive craniectomy as a therapeutic option in the treatment of hemispheric stroke.

Even though severe hemispheric stroke represents a small subtype of ischemic stroke, the extreme morbidity and mortality necessitate aggressive management strategies to improve outcome. Decompressive craniectomy is an important therapeutic tool with demonstrated effects in significantly reducing intracranial hypertension and mortality from herniation related to cerebral edema and elevated intracranial pressure. Its effect on functional outcome and quality of life varies, but there is evidence to suggest beneficial effects in younger patients and in patients treated earlier. Although more prospective data are required to further identify specific indications for the procedure, it represents an important tool in treatment of nondominant hemispheric stroke.