As an intracellular energy sensor, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays an important role in maintaining the energy balance of the cells and organisms. Initially, the effects of AMPK on the processes of pathophysiology in diabetes, obesity and other metabolic diseases were well studied. In recent years, the roles of AMPK in the pathophysioiogical processes, including distribution and acidosis, oxidative stress injury and apoptosis in brain tissue have received increasing attention. At the same time, it also found that artificially regulates the AMPK activity after stroke may change the outcome of neurons. Therefore, AMPK is expected to become a new target in the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease.