Fig. 1

Model structure. A Short-term decision tree model and B long-term Markov model. Patients aged 60 with acute ischemic stroke within 48 h after stroke onset entered the model and received either edaravone dexborneol or Dl-3-n-butylphthalide for the first 90 days. In decision tree model, patient would distribute among different health states on day 90 and then enter Markov model. Patients may either remain in their current state, experience a recurrent ischemic stroke and transition to a state of equal or greater disability, or die from age-specific mortality or excess mortality. mRS indicates modified Rankin Scale. The health states include mRS 0–1, mRS 2–5 and mRS 6 (Death). Patients may have a stable health state, or transit to a state of equal or greater disability after recurrent stroke, or died