From the Guidelines
The median length of stay for inpatient rehabilitation after a stroke is approximately 30 days, as reported in the most recent and highest quality study 1. This duration can vary widely depending on the specific complication, its severity, and the patient's overall health status. Some key factors that influence the length of hospitalization include:
- The patient's age and pre-existing conditions
- The severity of the stroke and resulting deficits
- The patient's response to treatment and rehabilitation
- The availability of support services and rehabilitation facilities Typically, patients may be hospitalized for approximately 5-14 days for post-stroke complications during this period, with more severe complications requiring longer stays and minor complications requiring shorter stays. Medical teams aim to discharge patients as soon as it's safe to do so, transitioning them to rehabilitation facilities or home care with appropriate support services. Early detection and management of post-stroke complications through regular follow-up appointments can help reduce the need for prolonged hospitalizations during the post-acute recovery phase, as highlighted in a recent scientific statement from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association 1. It's essential to note that stroke recovery can fluctuate over time, depending on many factors, and all patients who have had a stroke should have an assessment of their capacity to perform activities of daily living. The most current evidence supporting many stroke rehabilitation interventions and therapies have been considered, and the field of research in stroke rehabilitation is very active, with new evidence continuing to emerge 1.
From the Research
Hospitalization Duration for Stroke Complications
- The provided studies do not directly address the question of hospitalization duration for stroke complications after 3 months to one year after the stroke 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the efficacy and safety of antiplatelet therapy, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, in preventing recurrent stroke and managing stroke complications 3, 4, 5, 6.
- None of the studies provide information on the average hospitalization duration for stroke complications during the specified time period 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Related Information
- Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel may be effective in reducing the risk of recurrent stroke, but it also increases the risk of bleeding events 3, 4, 5.
- The duration of dual antiplatelet therapy is typically limited to 21 days to 3 months after acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack 5, 6.
- Antithrombotic therapy, including antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants, plays a crucial role in secondary prevention following ischemic stroke 6.