Longer Term Impact of Stroke

Very few patients who have a stroke have no long-term sequalae even if they make a full neurological recovery. Everyone will realise that they have had an illness that could have killed them or left them with long-term disability. Every stroke survivor will have concerns about whether and when they will have a further event. Having a stroke even with ‘full recovery’ has consequences for employment, buying life insurance and for many it has an impact on relationships. This chapter covers the epidemiology and management of the long-term consequences of stroke and highlights areas where we need further research.