The Prognosis for Patients with Cerebrovascular Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attacks

Abstract

The prognosis for 281 patients with cerebrovascular stroke and 44 patients with TIA is presented. These patients were registered during a prospective epidemiological survey of cerebrovascular diseases in the community of Söderhamn. There was an average population of about 32.000 during the study period. More than 30% of the stroke patients died during the first 3 months. After 4 years the mortality was about 70% in stroke and 40% in TIA patients. The prognosis was tested towards symptoms and signs. Eleven signs were significantly correlated to adverse outcome in the stroke group, e.g. Babinski's sign present, complete extremity paresis, lowered level of consciousness, fever, tachycardia, anemia and elevated systolic blood pressure. During follow-up at intervals of 1, 2 and 3 years about 60% of the stroke survivors were at home, 20% in old age homes, and 20% in hospitals.