Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation as a Neuroprotection in Acute Stroke

This is a single center, sham-controlled, dose escalation study where cathodal tDCS is delivered to threatened but not yet irreversibly damaged (penumbral) tissue in patients with large vessel occlusion who are not eligible for blood flow restoring recanalization procedures. Patients will be randomized in a 3:1 design, to cathodal versus sham (control) stimulation, at each six designed dose tiers. The dose tiers will be increasing in both intensity and duration of the stimulation. The occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage will determine the pace of the escalation through the dose tiers.