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Usually the symptoms of a stroke come on suddenly and are most severe in the first day or two. Sometimes the severity of the symptoms fluctuates in the first few days. After that, the general rule is that symptoms improve, although the speed and extent of any recovery after stroke depends on a person’s general health before the stroke and the severity of the initial stroke symptoms. It is often uncertain in the first few days after a stroke how fully a person will recover. Some people with mild symptoms will get back to normal within a few days or weeks, whilst others may be left with long-term difficulties in looking after themselves. A proportion of people, especially those who are very drowsy or unconscious after a stroke, may not survive.

In general, the speed of improvement is greatest in the first few days or weeks after a stroke but many people continue to improve slowly for many months or even a year or two.

Getting home again after a stroke
If the stroke was severe enough to require hospital admission and has left you with some difficulties, special preparations may be needed before you can go home.This will depend on what difficulties you have, whether you have family to help at home and what type of home you have (for example, whether you need to be able to climb stairs). Sometimes, members of the hospital team who are looking after you will need to visit your home with you to see what help, if any, you will need. They can identify whether you will need special aids or adaptations (such as ramps, handrails or bath equipment) or help from a district nurse or home help.

Unfortunately, a few people who have had a particularly severe stroke, especially if they live alone in an unsuitable house, may need to move into a nursing home to enable them to receive the care and help they need.