Neurologist Questions Neurologist

How long is the recovery time for a stroke?

My friend had a stroke and is now in the hospital. How long is the recovery time for a stroke?

2 Answers

Weeks.
Strokes vary widely in scope from very minor, such as mild numbness or weakness, to major such as severe weakness on one side of the body which makes the patient unable to walk. Recovery depends on the severity of the stroke as well as how quickly any clot busting techniques were given. Recovery can vary anywhere from no recovery to full recovery. Patients are usually sent to a rehabilitation facility after the stroke. As a general rule I tell patients that most stroke patients will recover in 3 to 4 months, but some patients may take 1 to 2 years to reach their maximal recovery. More information can be found at the American Stroke Association website.