 ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage of the blood supply to the brain, which leads to irreversible damage or dysfunction of the cells in the affected area. Research suggests that excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death are all involved in the progression of the lesions. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, RTPA, is the current standard of care for acute ischemic stroke, but its efficacy is limited due to the downstream effects of reperfusion. Antioxidant therapies have been explored as a way to reduce the extent of injury resulting from ischemic stroke, but their effectiveness has yet to be proven. Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms behind the production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species, ROAS, suggest that combining antioxidants with existing thrombolytic agents or novel neuroprotective agents could provide a promising alternative for treating ischemic stroke. This article was authored by Rachel Shirley, Emily N. J. Ord, and Lorraine M. Work.