Inclusion Criteria:  Acute ischemic stroke with arterial occlusion affecting middle cerebral artery (segment M1or segment 2) or internal carotid artery (T-type or L-type occlusion) selected for EVT not eligible for intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) Moderate to severe stroke (NIHSS > or = 4), and preadmission mRS > or = 3) Perfusion - diffusion mismatch Obtain consent from independent Doctor Randomisation criteria If possible oral consent from patient or relatives Treatment administration possible within 1h from EVT  Exclusion Criteria:  Rapid neurological recovery Clinically unstable patient Contraindications to MRI Blood Na+ > 155 mmol/l or plasma osmolality > 320 mosmol/l Medical history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurodegenerative disease, intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral aneurysm, brain tumour Medical history of psychiatric disorders Liver insufficiency Heart failure Pregnancy (pregnancy test required in women aged under 50 unless patient or relatives indicate that the patient is not pregnant) Participation in another clinical trial in the last 30 days Lack of consent of an independent Doctor