The BRAIN study is an NIH-supported project to investigate how the brain recovers function after a stroke. Some patients seem to have a favorable recovery and get better soon after a first stroke while others do not fare so well. The purpose of this research study is to understand more about the brain chemistry underlying recovery. We are giving very brief-acting, mild sedatives to post-stroke patients to see whether these different medications have selective effects on language, perception and motor function.

Eligible Participants will be hospitalized patients at Columbia University Medical Center with a first-ever stroke who can be followed over the 90-day study period.

Participation Includes: Mild sedation performed at the hospital; neurological exam for all patients and brain imaging in a selected subgroup.