A stroke detection device (50, 100), and associated methods of operation, for early detection of ischemic stroke. The device (50, 100) includes a fiberoptic port (20, 102) connected to an end of a fiberoptic catheter (22, 120), the catheter (22, 120) including a first optical fiber (26, 122) and a second optical fiber (28, 124) each extending along at least a portion of the catheter (22, 120). The catheter (22, 120) is configured to direct infrared light along the first optical fiber to illuminate a subcutaneous region of the patient, and to further obtain reflected light data via the second optical fiber based on the infrared light reflected from cells present in the subcutaneous region. Based on the reflected light data, the stroke detection device (50, 100) monitors SjVO2 levels for early detection of ischemic strokes.
