This study, compared survivorship for first episodes of cerebral infarction, intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage which occurred in residents of Rochester, Minnesota during 5-year periods from 1945-49 through 1975-79. The progressive improvement in long-term survival following cerebral infarction which occurred between 1945-49 and 1970-74 was such that a higher proportion of patients survived for six years in 1970-74 (45%) than survived for three years in 1945-49 (42%). A modest improvement in short-term survival following cerebral infarction occurred up to 1975-79 but a marked improvement in 30-day survival following intracerebral hemorrhage was noted. The reasons for the improvement in survival have not been established, but possible changes in the diagnosis and management of stroke which might have been contributory factors are discussed.