Stroke in Melbourne, Australia: an epidemiological study.

A population-based stroke incidence study was carried out in Melbourne, Australia, between March 1978 and September 1979. Age-sex specific incidence rates were calculated and shown to be similar to those reported from the United States. At 18 months after the onset of stroke 55% of patients were alive and the probability of survival was shown to be related to the level of consciousness at time of maximum impairment. Seasonal variability of stroke incidence was demonstrated, as was an association between incidence rates and country of birth.