Abstract / Summary
Stroke is a major neurological disorder and a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Early diagnosis is essential for timely treatment and improved outcomes. Although computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging remain the main diagnostic methods, their limitations in the earliest stages highlight the need for additional approaches. Circulating biomarkers such as GFAP, S100B, NSE, UCH-L1, MMP-9, inflammatory mediators, and microRNAs show potential for early detection, differentiation, and prognostic assessment of stroke. These biomarkers reflect neuronal injury, astrocytic activation, blood–brain barrier disruption, neuroinflammation, and vascular damage. This review summarizes their biological significance, diagnostic potential, and clinical limitations. Further studies are needed to establish standardized thresholds and validate biomarker panels for routine clinical use.