Hope of survival is always possible in any person no matter what the size or circumstance may be. However, the most important predictive factors to consider would be: 1. Current status of the patient neurologically compared to admission. Is there improvement, deterioration, or no change? Obviously, the best predictor of recovery for that parameter is if the patient were IMPROVED. 2. Medical status of the patient when the stroke occurred. If the patient is free and clear of any chronic medical problems such as hypertension, diabetes, COPD, liver/kidney disease then, that is more in their favor than if they were to have some form of medical problem. In your father s case you ve already said he is a diabetic and hypertensive. Are there any other problems he has such as high cholesterol, lung or kidney issues, COPD due to smoking, etc.? Also, how well controlled is his diabetes/hypertension and other problems? Better prognosis lies with better control of the medical conditions. 3. Finally, the size of the stroke and amount of brain tissue which was impacted are very important predictors of survival. If as in this case, the doctor is estimating a 50% territory lesion then, that is considered rather large. However, quantifying exactly how much brain tissue is involved can sometimes be tricky especially if only using a CT scan. In the initial phases of a strokes there is a lot of swelling that needs to go away before you can clearly see how much brain has really been impacted. Of course, the other issue is whether or not this converts into a hemorrhagic complication. If that happens, the prognosis is reduced since the chance of dire consequences emerges. I m a bit perplexed as to why he would be on anticoagulant therapy given the size of the stroke and the fear that it could convert to a hemorrhagic type. That is not considered standard for these types of cases so you may wish to discuss that point with the attending physician to see if they don t think it more prudent to WITHHOLD ANTICOAGULATON at this time to give the stroked brain time to consolidate a bit otherwise, the risk of a large bleed is quite high and that could be life threatening. If you d like to write directly to me with more information or more opinions based on data or scans that you can upload to this system feel free to write me at bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi. I am an adult neurologist and have seen many cases of success in severely stroked patients. I hope your father becomes another such case and not only that he survives but that he survives WELL and recovers use of the left side though it may take a long time. If this information was helpful would you mind leaving a bit of feedback and a STAR RATING if possible. This would be very helpful and appreciated. Again, all the best to you and your dad.