Impact of stroke type on survival and functional health

In a cohort 760 consecutive stroke patients (23 hospitals in the Netherlands), we studied prognosis in relation to stroke type and focused on (a) short-term and long-term mortality, and (b) long-term functional health. Based on clinical and CT data, we distinguished infratentorial strokes from supratentorial strokes (lacunar infarctions, (sub)cortical infarctions and intracerebral hemorrhages). Cumulative mortality for all stroke patients was 34% at 6 months, 51% at 3 years, and 62% at 5 years. Short-term mortality could be explained by stroke type, whereas long-term mortality could not. Of all survivors, 55% were in poor functional health at 6 months, 49% at 3 years and 42% at 5 years. Long-term functional health outcomes were associated with stroke type. We conclude that the impact of stroke type on mortality is limited to the first 6 months, whereas the type of stroke influences the long-term functional health.