Follow-up Pilot Study After a First Stroke

Open, Randomized Follow-up Pilot Study After a First Stroke

This is a randomized follow-up study after discharge from a stroke unit after a first stroke. The patients are randomized either to follow-up at a special out-patient stroke unit or with their general practitioners. The hypothesis is that follow-up with specialists is superior to follow-up with general practitioners. Endpoints are mortality, recurrent stroke and handicap measured with different scales.

Inclusion Criteria:

• first stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic)
• age below 85 years
• living at home before the stroke

Exclusion Criteria:

• modified Rankin scale 5 points
• other severe disease
• expected survival less than one year
• severe dementia
• drug or alcohol abuse