Compounds of the general formula ##STR1## wherein: X is halogen or trifluoromethyl;R.sub.1 is hydrogen, halogen or trifluoromethyl;R.sub.2 is hydrogen methyl or hydroxymethyl;R.sub.3 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; andY is methylene, methylene substituted with a lower alkyl or hydroxyl group, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, oxygen or sulfur, exhibit a cerebral protective effect and are applicable to the treatment of cerebral ischaemia and cerebral hypoxia.The compounds may be made by acylating a suitable piperidine or morpholine with the appropriate cinnamoyl chloride, and if necessary oxidizing the reaction product.