 The cornerstone of treatment for acute ischemic stroke remains reperfusion therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, RTPA, reperfusion leads to an imbalance in the production of harmful reactive oxygen species. ROS, the combination of antioxidants with existing thrombolytics or novel neuroprotectants may represent an avenue worthy of clinical investigation. This article was authored by Rachel Shirley, Emily N. J. Ord and Lorraine M. Work.