Stroke-in-evolution: infarct-inherent mechanisms versus systemic causes.

Background: It is uncertain whether deterioration after acute ischemic stroke is neurological and/or systemic (somatic) in origin.

Methods: 442 consecutive patients admitted with first-ever ischemic stroke (FIS) were assessed by the Unified Neurological Stroke Scale (UNSS) at admission, on hospitalization days 1, 2 and 3 and before discharge.

Results: Among 71/442 (16.