The association between stroke location and return to work after first stroke.

Although various factors, including age, race, job category, disability, and cortical function, have been associated with return to work (RTW) after stroke, few studies have examined the influence of stroke location on RTW. We conducted a retrospective cohort study on the association between stroke location and RTW after first stroke. The patients were all younger than age 65 years and were working at the time of their stroke (n = 126). A follow-up questionnaire evaluated RTW. Data were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model for hazard ratios (HRs) of successful RTW, taking potential confounding factors into consideration. The Cox model revealed that maximum weakness (HR 3.74, normal vs severe), apraxia (10.7, no vs yes), and occupation (2.11, white collar vs blue collar) were significant predictors, but stroke location was not a significant predictor. We conclude that stroke location is less important than other easily measured factors in predicting RTW.