Factors Underlying Stroke Recovery Variation by Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status
By
Eric L. Stulberg
Robert M. Miller
Nicholas Hartman
Malcolm Risk
Jeffrey J. Wing
Andrea L. C. Schneider
Dylan Edwards
Steven C. Cramer
Kristin L. Rising
Christopher Becker
Adam de Havenon
Lynda Lisabeth
June 2, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Influence of Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status on Variability in Stroke Recovery Outcomes
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Stroke recovery outcomes
Key Mechanisms Neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) influences recovery through factors like access to rehabilitation services and neighborhood walkability.
Target Population Individuals aged 45 years or older who have experienced an incident stroke.
Care Setting Community-based stroke surveillance study in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Key Highlights
nSES is associated with 90-day stroke recovery outcomes. Higher neighborhood deprivation correlates with lower rates of thrombolysis or thrombectomy. Poststroke rehabilitation therapy varies by neighborhood median income. Neighborhood walkability and access to resources are potential determinants of recovery.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Identify stroke cases via active and passive surveillance.
Management
Consider neighborhood factors when planning poststroke rehabilitation.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Assess functional status and quality of life at 90 days poststroke.
Risks
Lower nSES is linked to worse recovery outcomes.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Stroke survivors living in noninstitutionalized settings.
Access to hyperacute treatment and rehabilitation services is crucial for recovery.
Clinical Best Practices
Utilize neighborhood-level data to inform rehabilitation strategies. Encourage physical activity through improved neighborhood walkability.
Related Resources & Content