Central nervous system disorders

V./4.1.: Epidemiology

Cerebrovascular disorders, clinical information on the ischemic stroke are reviewed in this chapter.

Cerebrovascular diseases lead mortality and morbidity charts worldwide. Great differences exist between regions regarding incidence, prevalence and mortality because of the frequency of risk factors. E.g., hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors are more frequent in undeveloped countries; result in higher frequency of severe functional outcome after stroke.

Stroke is the most common cause of morbidity and disability in Europe. By the aging population of Europe stroke incidence and prevalence would likely increase. Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementias. Stroke is the leading cause of epileptic seizure in older patients and frequently precipitates depression.