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Abstract

The time course for functional recovery following stroke has not been well defined. To obtain an unbiased picture, we studied the pace of recovery using standardized neurological, functional, and cognitive tests in stroke survivors in the Framingham cohort over a 4½-year period. Of 119 patients who developed new strokes, 67 survived 1 year; of these, 46 were evaluated at onset, and at 3, 6, and 12 months poststroke. Significant recovery was documented in the Barthel Index, mobility, self-care, and language. This occurred chiefly during the first 3 months, with marginal gains thereafter. Multivariate analyses revealed no differences in the pattern of recovery with regard to clinical or demographic characteristics. These data from a community-based study document improvement in physical function over a relatively short period of time after stroke onset. Focusing treatment and rehabilitation within this specific time period may enhance eventual outcome for stroke survivors. Key Words: Cerebrovascular disease—Epidemi— ology—Prognosis—Activities of daily living.

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Time Course of Functional Recovery After Stroke: The Framingham Study

Abstract

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