Imatinib can be used in the treatment of stroke in a new dosage regime, where Imatinib is administered to the patient at a dose of 650 mg/day or higher for at least 3 consecutive days, and preferably administered in a starting dose of 1000 mg/day or higher on day 1, and at a dose in the interval of 650 mg/day to 1000 mg/day on the subsequent days. A method for the treatment of stroke, a pharmaceutical composition and a kit of parts is/are also disclosed.