BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute ischemic stroke may trigger an inflammatory response that leads to increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). High levels of CRP may be associated with poor outcome because they reflect either an inflammatory reaction or tissue damage. We related plasma CRP levels to first ever ischemic stroke and its role as a diagnostic aid. METHODS: Sixty patients fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria with first ever acute ischemic stroke were included in study. CT scan of brain was done after 24 hours of onset of symptoms to confirm the diagnosis. Plasma CRP level was determined after 12 hours and before 72 hours of onset of symptoms in all CT confirmed ischemic stroke patients. This clinical study was done from January 2008 to June 2009. CRP was randomly measured in 60 age and sex matched individuals admitted in other wards of the hospital matched in all possible criteria expect the disease under study as a control group. RESULTS: The CRP concentration in ischemic strokes was independent of infarction site, the value was more between 51-70 years of age group and almost equal in both genders. 54 of the 60 ischemic strokes studied had CRP value >6 mg/l and only 6 patients had 6 mg/l, which is insignificant. CONCLUSION: The CRP level is significantly higher in ischemic strokes and by its elevation between 12-72 hours of symptom onset is a bad prognostic indicator. The risk of poor outcome or death at 3 months increased with higher levels of CRP. Elevated CRP values is a risk factor in association with other risk factors like diabetes/hypertension.