Ischemic stroke is an important cause of mortality and invalidity. Focal cerebral ischemia induces multiple and complex mechanisms leading to the loss of function and the demise of cerebral tissue. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, well known for its role in normal development, is one of these mechanisms, and contributes to ischemic neuronal death. This short review gives an overview of apoptotic mechanisms triggered by cerebral ischemia.