Stroke is an emergent state in the acute phase. Functional, social impact and economical burden will be seen for the patient with neurological sequel in the chronic phase. A rehabilitation program should be planned considering these factors to minimize the burden. Reaching maximum quality of life will support the patient and lower the economical burden of the society. This study included 71 acute cerebrovascular accident (CVA) patients admitted to our neurology clinic between February 1994 and May 1996. The gender distribution of the study group was 52 % female and 48 % male with a mean age of 61±13.38 (35-88 years old). Age, gender, marital status, education, occupation, lesion localisation as well as type, paralytic side of extremity and aphasia were recorded. The patients were assessed according to Quality of Life (QL) and Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) scales at stroke onset, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months. All patients received an appropriate rehabilitation program starting at the third week.of stroke. All patients were giyen Hamilton depression scale at the end of the first year. The ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke distribution was 76.1 % and 24.9 %, respectively. Left sided lesion localisation was seen in 34 patients and right sided in 37. Total paralysis occurred in 41 patients, whereas paralysis degree was changeable in 30. At the end of the first year 68 % of patients stili had a neurological deficit. QL before stroke onset was 20.31±6.2 and afterwards 9.38±6.63. Home activities were mostly aftected. Integrated functions, such as sitting balance, bladder and bowel control, were related to the functional independence of the patient.