The aim of this study was to determine which variables should be the predictors for clinical outcome at discharge and sixth month after acute ischemic stroke. Methods - Two hundred and sixty-six consecutive patients, each with an acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease, were evaluated within 24 h of symptom onset. We divided our patients into two groups; 1 - Independent (Rankin scale RS less than or equal to 2) and, 2 - Dependent (RS>3) and death. Baseline characteristics, clinical variables, risk factors, infarct subtypes and radiologic parameters were analyzed. Results - Canadian Neurological Scale (CNS) on admission <6.5 [odds ratio (OR) 22] and posterior circulation infarction (OR 4.2) were associated with a poor outcome at discharge from hospital whereas only a CNS score <6.5 (OR 14) was associated with a poor outcome at 6 months. Conclusions - Severity of neurologic deficit is the most important indicator for clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke both at short-term and at sixth month, whereas posterior circulation infarction also predicts a poor outcome at discharge.