Verapamil for Neuroprotection in Stroke

Inclusion Criteria: * Written informed consent * 18 years of age and over * Acute onset focal neurologic deficit consistent with acute ischemic stroke, or computed tomographic scan consistent with acute cerebral ischemia * Candidate for mechanical thrombectomy procedure * Onset of symptoms less than 8 hours * Measurable neurologic deficit (NIHSS ≥4) * Willingness to follow up with rehabilitation therapy * Anticipated life expectancy of at least 3 months Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy (pregnancy test will be done on women of child-bearing potential) * Hepatic and/or renal insufficiency (LFT's\>3× upper limit of normal; CrCl \< 30ml/min) * Thrombocytopenia (platelet count \<75,000/mm3) * History of intolerance to verapamil * Previous functional disability (modified Rankin \> 1) * Severe stroke (NIHSS\>22) * Stuporous or comatose * Unlikely to be available for 90 day follow-up