A method is disclosed for the rapid diagnosis of disorders characterized by an ischemic event, such as stroke, transient ischemic attack, head trauma, myocardial infarction, or other insults resulting in interrupted cranial blo od flow. The method involves detection of the presence of the gamma isoform of protein kinase C (PKCg) in peripheral blood, which signals damage to central nervous system tissue and at least transient breakdown of the blood brain barrier. The assay may be performed, e.g., by emergency medical personnel, i n a time frame that allows treatment of the patient before permanent damage to the central nervous system occurs.
ASSAY FOR DETECTING DAMAGE TO THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM