LEG-UP Feasibility Study: Elevated Leg Positioning For Acute Moderate Ischemic Stroke

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years. * Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) confirmed by cranial computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. * Time from onset (symptom onset or last known well) to enrollment of ≤24 hours. * Moderate neurological deficit (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale \[NIHSS\] score of 6-16). * Probable large artery atherosclerosis (LAA )etiology based on the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria (confirmed by cranial CT or MR angiography and carotid duplex ultrasonography performed on admission). * Evidence of unilateral stenosis or occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) or the M1 or proximal M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) corresponding to the presumed culprit artery. * Functional independence prior to stroke (modified Rankin Scale \[mRS\] score ≤1). * Written informed consent signed by the patient or their legally authorized representative. Exclusion Criteria: * Decreased level of consciousness (NIHSS item 1a ≥1). * Planned or completed intravenous thrombolysis and/or endovascular therapy. * Planned carotid or intracranial revascularization within 3 months. * Evidence of intracranial hemorrhage on neuroimaging. * Alternative stroke etiologies (e.g., cardioembolism, non-atherosclerotic arteriopathies). * Serious systemic illness (e.g., significant hepatic or renal insufficiency, active malignancy). * Prior stroke with significant residual neurological deficit (mRS ≥2). * History of intra…