Studies using animal models of stroke have demonstrated that free radicals are highly reactive molecules generated predominantly during cellular respiration and normal metabolism. Imbalance between cellular production of free radicals and the ability of cells to defend against them is referred to as oxidative stress. After ischemic brain damage introduced by ischemic stroke or reperfusion, production of reactive oxygen species may increase, sometimes drastically, leading to tissue damage via several different cellular molecular pathways. The damage can become more widespread due to weakened cellular antioxidant defense systems after ischemic stroke. These experimental findings have important implications for the treatment of human cerebral ischemia. Agents directed at eliminating oxygen radicals must be administered before, or in the early stages of, reperfusion after ischemia. The therapeutic window seems to be narrow and limited to, at most, a few hours. Future research may clarify the current hypothesis that the accuracy of gene expression could account for the recovery of cellular function after ischemic stroke. This may open the window to the future use of drug combinations that may be rationally administered sequentially. If the phenomenon of ischemic tolerance plays a role in this concept is still a matter of debate.