Abstract: Ischemic stroke results from the temporary or permanent lack of blood supply in the brain due to the occlusion of a brain blood vessel. Around 85% of patients with cerebrovascular accidents suffer from ischemic strokes. Although cerebrovascular accidents represent the major cause of death and permanent disability worldwide, thus far, only processes addressed at eliminating the vessel obstruction (chemical or mechanical) have been successfully developed. Many neuroprotective strategies have been tested in preclinical studies, but clinical trials have, so far, failed to result in beneficial effects. These issues may be due to the very complex pathophysiology of ischemic stroke, which involves the integration of multiple signaling pathways ultimately resulting in neuronal loss.