Background: The period following stroke can be considered as a reaction to a stress event. Changes in interfeukin-6 and cortisol secretion are one of the indicator of stress reaction. The aim of the study was to detennine plasma level of IL-6 and cortisol in stroke patients within 7 days of stroke onset. Material and method: Study group included 74 patients, 37 males, 37 females, maen age 65.12 + or - 15.30 years. The second group include 37 healthy peoples, 22 males, 15 females., mean ages 64,16 + or - 14,41 years. Stroke was verified by computed tomography of the brain. Results: The mean level of plasma IL-6 and cortisol of healthy peoples are more lower than the mean level of plasma IL-6 and cortisol of patients. The mean level of plasma IL-6 and cortisol of patients in ICU unit were 227.54 + or - 317.26 pg/ml and 816,87 + or - 430,78 nmol/l. The mean level of plasma IL-6 and cortisol of patients in neurology department was 61,30 + or - 95,74 pg/ml and 463.37 + or - 230.94 nmol/l. The mean level of plasma IL-6 and cortisol of patients go out hospital was 88,02 + or - 174,40 pg/ml and 479.33 + or - 241.14 nmol/l. The mean level of plasma IL-6 and cortisol in died patients within 24h was 269.68 + or -.340.52 pg/ml and 1235.00 + or - 340.14 nmol/1. Conclusion: Acute stroke related to increasing plasma IL-6 and cortisol. They are related with stroke severity.