Induced Hypertension in Acute PRogrESsive Perforating Artery Stroke Using Peripheral Dilute noREpinephrine

Who May Qualify: - Acute ischemic stroke \< 72 h in a perforating artery territory on brain MRI - Early neurological deterioration or fluctuation, attested by the neurologist in charge, defined by a ≥ 3-point increase in global NIHSS score OR a 2-point increase on motor or ataxia score, whether this deterioration is transient or permanent. - Time between early neurological deterioration and randomization \< 6 hours - Age ≥ 18 years - Contraception required in women of childbearing potential (Intra-uterine device, hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation (combined or progestogen-only; oral, intravaginal or transdermal), Female Sterilization, Vasectomised partner, sexual abstinence) - Beneficiary of a health insurance system Who Should NOT Join This Trial: - \- Pre-Stroke Modified Rankin Score \> 3 - Contraindication to brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - High risk of intracerebral hemorrhage: - Cerebral microbleeds ≥ 10 - Non traumatic focal superficial siderosis - Hemorrhagic transformation of the present ischemic stroke - Previous history of intracerebral hemorrhage (symptomatic or asymptomatic identified on brain MRI) - Intracranial vascular malformation or tumor with suspected risk of rupture or bleeding - Prior intravenous thrombolysis \< 24 hours - Requirement for anticoagulation in the first 7 days after randomization - Systolic blood pressure (SBP) \> 180mmHG and/or mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥ 110mmHG at inclusion - Large artery atherosclerosis (ipsilateral atherosclerotic stenosis \> 50%), intra and extracranial dissection, or cardio-embolic stroke mechanisms - Drugs with important interactions with norepinephrine: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (including reversible, non-selective agents such as linezolid), tricyclic antidepressants, entacapone. - Pregnancy or breastfeeding Always talk to your doctor about whether this trial is right for you.