Understanding a stroke prognosis

No two strokes are exactly alike, but they all have one thing in common: A stroke almost always causes some brain damage. How much damage depends on the type, location, duration, and severity of the stroke. And the extent and location of damage is what largely determines the stroke prognosis -- the chance for survival or quality of life down the road.

When someone survives a stroke, the big question on everyone's mind is what the stroke survivor's life will be like. What types of physical problems will she have? How seriously disabled will she be? Will she be able to speak? Walk? Live on her own?

It's important to keep in mind that there's no magic formula for predicting the outcome, nor is there a set timeline for recovery. But there's reason for hope: Although up to 30 percent of stroke survivors suffer some permanent disability, more than half recover functional independence after a stroke.