Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Focal neurological deficits of presumed vascular origin with acute onset and persisting at the start of treatment. Treatment started within 48 hours of onset of symptoms.

Exclusion Criteria

Cerebral hemorrhage as determined by acute CT scan or lumbar puncture, recent myocardial infarction (within previous 4 weeks), severe angina pectoris and overt signs of left ventricular failure, ongoing anticoagulant treatment, excessively high blood pressure, renal failure, coma, concomitant terminal or life-threatening disorders, severe preexisting handicaps which might interfere with accurate neurological scoring.