Recovering from a stroke is a long road. For 1,250 people in India, the journey from hospital to home showed a clear pattern. Many patients improved in the first three months. About two-thirds saw their symptoms get better. Then, between three and six months, another 34 percent continued to improve. This slow progress is typical for brain injury recovery.
However, not everyone recovered at the same speed. The study looked at factors that made outcomes worse. Older age was a big one. People over 60 faced much higher risks of lasting disability compared to younger patients. The type of caregiver also mattered. When a daughter or daughter-in-law provided main care, the risk of poor outcomes increased slightly compared to a spouse.
The biggest risk came from being unable to care for oneself at home. Patients who were already dependent on others had nearly five times the risk of poor recovery. Where they were treated also played a role. Patients in hospitals in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam faced higher risks compared to those in Delhi. These findings come from a detailed look at an existing trial. They highlight where extra support might be needed most.