The length of hospitalization for a stroke varies greatly depending on the type of stroke (Ischemic Stroke, Intracerebral Hemorrhage, or Subarachnoid Hemorrhage), ranging from a few weeks at the shortest to over a year in the most severe cases. Notably, the spread of thrombectomy has led to a dramatic reduction in hospital stays for Ischemic Stroke in recent years, while Intracerebral Hemorrhage still tends to require prolonged hospitalization.
Realistic Comparison of Hospital Stays for the Three Types of Stroke
| Feature | Ischemic Stroke (Infarction) | Intracerebral Hemorrhage | Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) |
| Average Duration | 2–4 Weeks (As short as 10 days for mild cases!) | 6–12 Weeks (Many exceed 3 months) | 4–8 Weeks (3 weeks if surgery is smooth) |
| Shortest Record(Miraculous Recovery) | 5–7 days (Mild Lacunar + Immediate rehab) | 3 Weeks (Small bleed with clear consciousness) | 18 days (Successful Coiling + No Vasospasm) |
| Longest Duration(Severe Case) | 2–3 Months (Consciousness disorder remains even after thrombectomy) | 6 months∼1 year(Intraventricular hemorrhage + hydrocephalus) | 3–6 Months (Severe vasospasm + cognitive impairment) |
| Duration in Acute Hospital | 1–3 Weeks | 3–6 Weeks | 3–5 Weeks |
| Transfer to Recovery Rehab Hospital | Almost 100% transfer (Average 3–6 months) | 80% transfer (Average 4–8 months) | 50% transfer (Only those needing cognitive rehab) |
| Biggest Barrier to Discharge | Walking ability | Level of consciousness + Blood pressure control | Vasospasm (Peaking 4–14 days post-onset) |
| Factor Shortening Duration (2025) | Spread of Thrombectomy (Dramatic shortening) | Virtually unchanged | Improved precision of Coiling treatment |
| Condition at Discharge (Average) | 60–80% can walk home. | 50–60% can go home with a wheelchair ∼ cane. | 80–90% can walk home (But cognition is separate). |
Actual Hospital Stay Scenarios (2025)
- Ischemic Stroke (60 y/o, Moderate) → Acute Hospital 2 weeks→ Recovery Rehab Hospital 3 months→ Total 3.5 months
- Intracerebral Hemorrhage (70 y/o, Severe) → Acute Hospital 6 weeks→ Recovery Rehab Hospital 6 months→Total 7–8 months
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (50 y/o, Successful Coiling) → Acute Hospital 4 weeks→ Home or Light Daycare →Total 1 month
In One Sentence
- Ischemic Stroke → Getting shorter and shorter! (Discharge in 2 weeks for mild cases is common).
- Intracerebral Hemorrhage → The longest and most difficult…
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage → Can be discharged surprisingly quickly if surgery goes well.
