Excessive incidence of stroke in iran: Evidence from the mashhad stroke incidence study (MSIS), a population-based study of stroke in the middle east

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE-: The epidemiology of stroke and its subtypes in the Middle East is unclear. Most previous studies have been performed in Western countries, and incidence rates are unlikely to apply in the Middle East. We aimed to determine the incidence of stroke in Mashhad, northeastern Iran. METHODS-: During a 12-month period (2006-2007), we prospectively ascertained all strokes occurring in a population of 450 229. Multiple overlapping sources were used to identify people with stroke. A large number of volunteers assisted in finding stroke patients not admitted to hospital. Potential cases were reviewed by a group of stroke experts before inclusion. RESULTS-: A total of 624 first-..