Table 1 Typology of potential dying trajectories in acute stroke

1

Sudden

Little evidence of healthcare in the last year of life

Unexpected death - e.g. ineffective resuscitation; complications of thrombolysis; overwhelming cardio/cerebrovascular event

2

Rapid death

Plurality of physician input in last year of life

Expected death; distinct terminal phase although not set within a general context of deterioration

3

Episodic

Evidence of multiple acute interventions; exacerbations of health problems; evidence of organ failure

Evidence of increasing health problems; multiple acute, curative interventions; indistinct terminal phase

4

Slow decline

Frailty associated with long-term health condition

Multiple health problems; general picture of persisting, and overwhelming illness

5

Other

Unable to classify as above