Advances in cerebral edema research and targeted drug delivery systems.

Cerebral edema, marked by excessive brain fluid accumulation, hinders stroke recovery and impacts survival, highlighting the need for effective therapies. This review examines the glymphatic system's role in post-stroke edema pathogenesis, explores edema formation mechanisms, and identifies therapeutic targets. While small molecule drugs show promise, their limited solubility and brain targeting necessitate advanced delivery approaches. Nanodrug delivery systems, capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and targeting cells via ligands, offer a compelling solution. We discuss the application of novel nanodrugs to enhance post-stroke edema treatment, aiming to improve survival and neurological recovery. This review seeks to guide future research in post-stroke edema management.