03/10/2025
What Does a Stroke Recovery Timeline Look Like?
The stroke recovery timeline is unpredictable. Some patients may recover completely within weeks, while others may take months or even years to recover fully. Several factors affect the stroke recovery timeline, such as the stroke's type, location, and severity. Additionally, the timeline may be shorter if the patient received prompt treatment immediately after the stroke.
Here’s an overview of a typical stroke recovery timeline:
Stage 1: Initial recovery. The stroke recovery process starts as soon as the patient has been treated for critical symptoms. Doctors will take preventive measures to avoid further strokes, and the patient is encouraged to start rehab by sitting up, moving around, standing, and even walking.
Stage 2: First two weeks. Once discharged from the hospital, patients with severe stroke side effects will likely be transferred to a long-term acute care facility. Those with less serious issues will be referred to an inpatient or outpatient rehab center. Most patients will experience a 50% recovery during this phase.
Stage 3: One to three months. All patients should undergo intensive rehabilitation therapy during the first two to three months of stroke recovery. During this time, neuroplasticity allows patients to regain functions more quickly.
Stage 4: Beyond three months. After completing a course of intensive rehab, patients will continue their stroke recovery journey at home. They should follow the rehab team’s guidance to improve their quality of life, minimize remaining stroke side effects, and reduce the risks of another stroke.