Korean Stroke Cohort for functioning and rehabilitation (KOSCO) is a large, multi-centre prospective cohort study for all acute first-ever stroke patients admitted to participating hospitals in nine distinct areas of Korea. This study is designed as a 10-year, longitudinal follow-up investigating the residual disabilities, activity limitations, and quality of life issues arising in patients suffering from first-ever stroke. The main objectives of this study are to identify the factors that influence residual disability and long-term quality of life. The secondary objectives of this study are to determine the risk of mortality and recurrent vascular events in patients with acute first-ever stroke. Investigators will investigate longitudinal health behaviors and patterns of healthcare utilization, including stroke rehabilitation care. Investigators will also investigate the long-term health status, mood, and quality of life in stroke patient caregivers. In addition, investigators will identify baseline and ongoing characteristics that are associated with secondary outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. First-ever acute stroke (ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage) with corresponding lesion and/or evidence of acute arterial occlusion on CT (A)- or MRI/A-scan.
2. Age ≥ 19 years at onset of stroke.
3. Onset of symptoms within seven days prior to inclusion.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Transient ischemic attack.
2. History of stroke.
3. Traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage.
4. Not Korean.

All consecutive patients with an acute first-ever stroke, admitted to the representative hospitals in the nine distinct areas of Korea, will be asked to participate in the study. Participating study centres are Samsung Medical Center, Seoul; Severance Hospital, Seoul; Konkuk University Hospital, Seoul; Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon; Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangu; Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan; Kyungpook National University Hospital, Deagu; Wonkwang University Hospital, Iksan; and Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju.