Stroke is the third leading cause of death and disability in the Western World. In the US alone, some 700,000 people suffer a stroke every year. More than half are first time patients, and two-thirds of those who survive the first year go on to live an average of seven years. Four million Americans are permanently disabled and need ongoing care. It is estimated that stroke may cost the US economy more than $50B annually. Stroke is mostly a disease of the elderly and those suffering from atherosclerosis, but a surprising number of young people also get strokes....
