OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, in cases of ischemic vascular cerebral disease (VCD), effectiveness in terms of functional recovery and quality of life of an early hospital rehabilitation intervention with follow-up in the patient's home by a nursing team. Material and METHODS: Patients with VCD °Ý45 years of age were randomized for inclusion in an intervention program or control group. The patients were selected from three Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) hospitals in Mexico City between March 2003 and May 2004. The intervention consisted in a physical and social rehabilitation program involving a nursing team which began in the hospital and continued in the patient's home; it had three phases: a) intensive, with daily visits over 15 days, b) intermediate, with two weekly visits during the following two weeks, c) support, with a weekly visit over the following two months. The control group received only information regarding VCD and patient care and weekly visits. Barthel, Frenchay and SF 36 were evaluated on admittance in hospital, and at 3 and 6 months after discharge from hospital. RESULTS: Of a total of 187 patients recruited, 90 completed the follow-up, 45 in group 1 (intervention) and 44 in group 2 (control). Average age was similar in both groups (72 years). Around 82% in both groups present chronic disease. An increase of 43 points was observed in the Barthel index at the end of the follow-up period for both groups (p=0.21). General health was better at the end of the follow-up for group 1 (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: Early rehabilitation in hospital with subsequent follow-up improves the perception the VCD patient has of his/her health. It is also a useful support to the patient's functional recovery.