Plasmatic markers for early diagnostic and treatment decisions in ischemic stroke

A neurologic deficit of sudden onset conforming to a vascular territory is a clear clinical indication that a patient suffers from an acute stroke. However, the imagistic diagnostic confirmation is not always readily available. We are now able to offer comprehensive medical support for the patient after an acute stroke and to make a prodigious rehabilitation program after the damage is done, but this is not offering the chance for improvement. An opportunity to better diagnose ischemic stroke seems to be available by using neuronal biomarkers. Extensive research is being conducted in this field and useful information is beginning to gather. This mini-review aims to highlight selected studies that appear to be of particular interest for the clinical neurologist. The most promising biomarkers (or rather panels of biomarkers) are presented with theirs clinical usefulness and limitations.