Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Inclusion Criteria: * males or females, aged over 18 * evidence of mono-hemispheric ischemic stroke confirmed by brain MRI * first onset stroke patients * onset of symptoms within 48 hours prior to enrollment * National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score greater than 4 * patient is alert, medically stable according to the treating physician and able to follow simple verbal commands * signed written informed consent prior to entry into the study Exclusion Criteria: * acute intracranial hemorrhage confirmed by brain CT or MRI scan * previous ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke * seizure at the onset of stroke or a history of epilepsy * contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation: implanted metallic parts of implanted electronic devices, including pacemakers,defibrillators, implanted medication pump, or implanted brain stimulator * aneurysm clip or other metal in body * life expectancy less than 3 months * other serious illness, e.g., severe hepatic, cardiac, or renal failure, acute myocardial infarction, or complex disease that may confound treatment assessment * women known to be pregnant, lactating or having a positive or indeterminate pregnancy test * any condition that would prevent the subject from giving voluntary informed consent * current participation in another study with an investigational drug or device