Abstract
Ischemic brain microlesions are often asymptomatic, but can cause irreversible neurodegenerative damage if they remain undetected and untreated. Inflammatory processes, involving activated microglia, are triggered at and around ischemic lesion sites. Early detection of microlesions using fluorescent nanocrystals (quantum dots), together with therapeutic interventions, utilizing anti-inflammatory agents, may provide an effective nano-theranostic approach for ischemic stroke therapy.