All consecutive patients who had their first-ever ischemic stroke symptoms within the previous month will be asked to enroll in the study. Baseline measurements will be assessed in all patients. Patients without language problems or life-threatening conditions will be asked to answer the structured lifestyle questionnaire. Age- and sex-matched controls without a stroke history will be recruited among patients' friends, relatives and the care-givers of other patients, and will be requested to complete the same questionnaire. People who visit hospital for health check-ups may also be included as controls. After the first assessment, all patients will be followed every 3 months during visits to the outpatient department or by telephone. Participants will be asked about recurrence of stroke, occurrence of post-stroke epilepsy, and functional outcomes on the modified Rankin Scale. In the case of patients who have died, information will be obtained from their last practitioner or care-giver.