[Epidemiology of stroke].

In spite of the decrease in stroke mortality in industrialized western countries an increase of stroke incidence is expected especially in developing countries. Thus, within the next years, stroke will lead to a growing global health burden. In Austria, mortality has decreased between 1970 and 1994 by half and has now reached a rate of 100 per 100,000 inhabitants per year. Incidence rates amount to 200-300 per 100,000 inhabitants per year. Recurrent stroke rates are estimated to occur at a rate of 6-12% within the first year and 5-8% within the following years. Data from the Austrian Stroke Unit Registry comprise data compiled in 15 stroke units and show that the 3 month mortality is 11.7% and 40% show pronounced or moderate residual disabilities.