This article describes an elegant novel method to produce cerebral ischemia in small animals: magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are injected intravenously and can be retained by small permanent magnets positioned on the skull. This procedure results in the local accumulation of MNPs, subsequent occlusion of vessels and cerebral ischemia. Main advantages of the approach are the reversibility of occlusion after magnet removal as well as the limited invasiveness. Thus, this technique will provide novel options to study neurovascular effects of ischemic stroke.