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Table 1 Examples of health state descriptions

From: Health state descriptions to elicit stroke values: do they reflect patient experience of stroke?

Author

Health state description

Robinson et al. 2001 [13]

Mild stroke

• Your arm and leg are a little weak on one side

• Your speech is a little slurred but people understand you

• You may be unable to perform some of your usual activities

• You can look after yourself as usual

For the rest of your life

Severe stroke

• One side of your body is totally limp (paralysed)

• Your speech is slurred - it is very hard to understand you

• You are unable to perform most of your usual activities

• You cannot look after yourself without help

For the rest of your life

Hallan et al. [14]

Minor stroke (Rankin scale: level 2-3)

• Your right arms is limp (paralysed) and your leg is slightly weakened

• You can think, read and speak clearly

• You have full control of bladder and bowel

• You can walk at normal speed, but with a slight limp

• You must learn to write with the left arm

• You need some help with feeding, dressing and other tasks normally requiring both arms

Major stroke (Rankin scale: level 4-5)

• The right side of your body is totally limp (paralysed)

• You can think clearly

• Your speech is slow and unclear but understandable

• You have full control of bladder and bowel

• You cannot walk at all so you must use a wheelchair

• You need some help for feeding, dressing and transferring

You are totally dependent on help for bathing

You may need to go to a nursing home