Research is being done to explore better clot-dissolving drugs that can be used immediately after an ischemic stroke. New surgical techniques are also being explored that may prevent strokes in some people. Rather than opening up the skull, aneurysms and blood clots may be able to be approached internally through the blood vessels for treament and prevention.

In addition, treatment using microsurgery, grafting new blood vessels to provide a new route for blood supply to the brain tissue, and using a tubular wire mesh that can help hold a narrowed blood vessel open are all being explored.