Prognosis

Survival after a stroke depends both on the age at which the stroke occurs and the type of stroke. Overall, around 20 - 30% of patients will die from their stroke. The likelihood of dying from a stroke is greater in the older age group. For example, in one study the death rate was 8% in those under 60 years of age, and 23% in those of 70 years where the stroke was due to a cerebral infarction. The death rate is higher in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage or subarachnoid haemorrhage. Stroke is currently a target area in which much effort is being put to try to reduce the premature death rate. The best way to do this is probably the early detection of high blood pressure and diabetes in individuals without symptoms, and encouraging the general population to give up smoking