Stroke Statistics

As we begin a New Year let each of us take the opportunity to continue to educate ourselves about stroke and to be grateful for our own situation.

Over the years I have often heard the comment “every stroke is different.” This is true, but like most, I have the tendency to slip into the belief that all strokes are like mine. I decided to look for statistics which give more info about the outcome of stroke.

I stroked when I was 46. Many members of The Stroke Network, like me, were under 65. Each stroke age gives a different perspective on the event. I am in admiration of those who experience childhood stroke. I was lucky to have early adulthood unimpaired. I have also found an interest in those over 65 who have stroke. Often it is a very different experience than I had. I imagine the experience is even different if you happen to be over 80. I recently read that stroke in those over 80 may be one way the body slows itself towards the end of life. Having a stroke in my 40s, I experienced that afterwards the trend was toward getting better. Each stroke is different.

The link below is to the website of The University Hospital, Newark, NJ, USA. The statistic categories are Consequences of Stroke, Current Statistics for Stroke Survival Rates, Risk Factors: Age, Gender and Ethnicity, Brain Aneurysms, and Economic Cost of Stroke. I’m sure there is data here which and already know, but more importantly there is probably data new to you.

Take the time to educate yourself.

Stroke Statistics: http://www.theuniversityhospital.com/stroke/stats.htm

Happy New Year everyone.