Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide. Its incidence is increasing due to population aging and more young people being affected in low- and middle-income countries. Ischemic stroke is more frequent, but hemorrhagic stroke causes more deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). Stroke incidence and mortality vary by country, region, and ethnicity. In high-income countries, improvements in prevention, acute treatment, and neurorehabilitation have significantly reduced stroke burden over the past 30 years. The Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2015) shows a shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases, with stroke being the second leading cause of death. In 2015, ischemic heart disease and stroke accounted for 15.2 million deaths. Hemorrhagic stroke contributes more to mortality and DALYs than ischemic stroke. Low- and middle-income countries have an 80% mortality rate for hemorrhagic stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, especially in the elderly. About 26% of stroke survivors remain disabled in daily activities, and 50% have reduced mobility. Stroke is preventable through modifiable risk factors. High-income countries have seen improvements in stroke incidence and DALYs due to reduced risk factors. However, global stroke numbers have increased, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Stroke incidence and DALYs have also increased in adults aged 20-64, especially in developing countries, with hemorrhagic stroke being more prevalent. Stroke costs are significant, with 3-4% of healthcare expenditures in Western countries spent on stroke. In the U.S., the lifetime cost of ischemic stroke is estimated at $140,048. Total annual direct costs in the EU, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland were €26.6 billion in 2010. Stroke costs are poorly understood in developing countries, with significant economic impacts. Inpatient hospital costs account for 70% of first-year post-stroke costs, and severe strokes cost twice as much as mild ones. Stroke rehabilitation reduces long-term disability and costs in various countries. Stroke burden is influenced by socioeconomic status, with lower SES associated with higher disability. Stroke mortality is higher in Asia than in Western Europe, the Americas, or Australasia. Stroke disparities exist across geography, age, sex, ethnicity, and SES. Stroke mortality is higher in women than in men, with 60% of excess deaths occurring in those over 75. Stroke risk and mortality in developing countries increase with SES, while in developed countries, they decrease. Stroke is a serious problem in Asia, which has over 60% of the world's population. Stroke burden is increasing globally due to population growth, aging, and modifiable risk factors, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The number of stroke patientsStroke is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide. Its incidence is increasing due to population aging and more young people being affected in low- and middle-income countries. Ischemic stroke is more frequent, but hemorrhagic stroke causes more deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). Stroke incidence and mortality vary by country, region, and ethnicity. In high-income countries, improvements in prevention, acute treatment, and neurorehabilitation have significantly reduced stroke burden over the past 30 years. The Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2015) shows a shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases, with stroke being the second leading cause of death. In 2015, ischemic heart disease and stroke accounted for 15.2 million deaths. Hemorrhagic stroke contributes more to mortality and DALYs than ischemic stroke. Low- and middle-income countries have an 80% mortality rate for hemorrhagic stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, especially in the elderly. About 26% of stroke survivors remain disabled in daily activities, and 50% have reduced mobility. Stroke is preventable through modifiable risk factors. High-income countries have seen improvements in stroke incidence and DALYs due to reduced risk factors. However, global stroke numbers have increased, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Stroke incidence and DALYs have also increased in adults aged 20-64, especially in developing countries, with hemorrhagic stroke being more prevalent. Stroke costs are significant, with 3-4% of healthcare expenditures in Western countries spent on stroke. In the U.S., the lifetime cost of ischemic stroke is estimated at $140,048. Total annual direct costs in the EU, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland were €26.6 billion in 2010. Stroke costs are poorly understood in developing countries, with significant economic impacts. Inpatient hospital costs account for 70% of first-year post-stroke costs, and severe strokes cost twice as much as mild ones. Stroke rehabilitation reduces long-term disability and costs in various countries. Stroke burden is influenced by socioeconomic status, with lower SES associated with higher disability. Stroke mortality is higher in Asia than in Western Europe, the Americas, or Australasia. Stroke disparities exist across geography, age, sex, ethnicity, and SES. Stroke mortality is higher in women than in men, with 60% of excess deaths occurring in those over 75. Stroke risk and mortality in developing countries increase with SES, while in developed countries, they decrease. Stroke is a serious problem in Asia, which has over 60% of the world's population. Stroke burden is increasing globally due to population growth, aging, and modifiable risk factors, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The number of stroke patients